OKC Thunder: Rivalry Brewing Between Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama

As the NBA has seemingly leaned into the Holmgren-Wembanyama rivalry, the two seemed to already share some slight animosity after their first meeting in the preseason.

The NBA realized the opportunity it had to pin two 7-foot-plus rookies with vastly unique play styles against each other.

As the highly anticipated No. 2 pick in 2022 Chet Holmgren awaited to touch the floor for the Thunder, the No. 1 pick in 2023 Victor Wembanyama waited on the other side for his own NBA debut on Monday night.

The San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City faced off in a greatly entertaining preseason game, as the Thunder ended up closing them out 122-121. The storyline was obvious — Holmgren and Wembanyama clashing for the first time in the NBA of many throughout their careers. It also signified the possible return of a quality rivalry being revived through two exciting up-and-comers.

In terms of offensive play, Holmgren barely edged out Wembanyama in the scoring department with 21 points on 7-for-10 from the field alongside nine rebounds in 16 minutes of play.

Chet Holmgren showed out in his #NBAPreseason debut 😤

21 PTS
9 REB
7/10 FGM
2/2 3PM

...in just 16 minutes! pic.twitter.com/7pmQ91NDhe

— NBA (@NBA) October 10, 2023

The 7-foot-4 versatile Frenchman notched 20 points on 8-for-13 shooting for the Spurs. Each also displayed their presence as lengthy 3-point shooters, stretching the floor and providing another layer to their scoring.

But despite the numbers, the on-court animosity seemed to be telling. Both certainly hold respect for the other, however a couple instances seemed to reveal some agitation between the two. A headbutt to the chin from Wembanyama to Holmgren in the first quarter and a lack of eye contact during the postgame handshake gave a little insight as to what this rivalry might actually become.

The headbutt is an unstoppable move fasho😂😂🤝 https://t.co/Oaz7Mz8f57

— chet holmgren (@ChetHolmgren) October 10, 2023

“I feel like [Chet Holmgren] hurt us in the first half,” Wembanyama said following Monday night’s loss. “I know it’s just preseason, but for sure the games against OKC are going to be interesting.”

Asked if either of them have any sort of relationship, “No,” he said.

As the meetings continue to pile up and the meaning of games continue to heighten, the couple’s rivalry will continue to grow alongside it. For now, they’ll continue to improve and battle it out again the next time they take the floor.

OKC and San Antonio's next matchup will come at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 14 at Paycom Center.

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