It was just a preseason opener, but it certainly felt like something more.
Monday served as the preseason opener for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who welcomed the San Antonio Spurs. More importantly, the exhibition marked the debuts for both Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama.
Buy Thunder TicketsAfter missing all of last season recovering from a Lisfranc injury, Holmgren finally had his first chance to play at OKC since being drafted No. 2 in 2022. Meanwhile, Wembanyama suited up for the Spurs following years of hype and being selected with the No. 1 pick this past summer.
Both seven-footers put on a show for the OKC faithful. Holmgren had 21 points and nine rebounds in the first half while Wembanyama had 20 points and five rebounds in 19 minutes.
This was the first of presumingly many matchups between the two recent top-two picks. Considering their ages and player profiles, this feels like a budding rivalry that will continue to grow.
“I played against him a couple of years ago in FIBA,” Holmgren said about his first game against Wembanyama. “It’s really cool to see players from across the world be connected through the NBA. I plan to play a long time and I’m sure he does too so it’ll be no choice but to go back and forth.”
Throughout the game, it was evident both players took their matchup personally — when one made a 3, the other answered back; when Wembanyama had a breakaway dunk, Holmgren responded with an and-one finish he celebrated with a flex.
Longtime Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich was a big fan of the two lanky young centers battling.
“I thought they went at each other a couple of times. It was interesting. It shows their character, their competitiveness,” Popovich said. “And they did it within reason. Neither one was shooting a horrible shot to try to do the other one in or anything. It was basic basketball that the basketball gods would agree with. They’re gonna be a lot of fun for everybody to watch over their careers.”
The 28-year head coach was also very complimentary of Holmgren.
“He’s fantastic,” Popovich said. “He’s got a complete game, he’s smart, he knows how to play. He’s a good one for sure.”
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich on Chet Holmgren:
“He’s fantastic… He’s got a complete game, he’s smart, he knows how to play, he’s a good one for sure.”
Pop on Chet and Wemby going at each other:
“They’re gonna be a lot of fun for everybody to watch over their careers.” pic.twitter.com/8fMUXZJH4c
— Cooper Jones (@CooperJNBA) October 10, 2023
As both players battle for the Rookie of the Year honor this season and continue to blossom into two of the brightest young centers in the league, Monday served as a historic moment that featured the first time Holmgren and Wembanyama shared an NBA court together.
