Earlier than the Spurs/Thunder match up final evening, each coaches had been individually requested in regards to the “budding rivalry” between the 2 younger groups. Mitch Johnson and Mark Daigneault each replied with a way of apprehension towards stoking these flames whereas expressing respect for his or her opponent.
Throughout Johnson’s pregame presser, he said
“I don’t view it as a budding rivalry. Our group’s been collectively twenty-five some-odd video games. That staff gained sixteen video games within the playoffs to win the championship, so I don’t wish to disrespect their program and what they’ve constructed. We are attempting to construct one thing. We’re chasing each single staff on this league. They’re clearly on the forefront of all of it, and I believe no matter’s natural and pure for every particular person and no matter motivates them and no matter they really feel so long as it will get them able to go the place they should be, I’m high-quality with it.”
Solely moments later within the opponent press room, Daigneault shared,
“Respectfully, we concentrate on how we carry out, how we execute, how we coach, whether or not or not we’re enhancing. We get misplaced within the subsequent aggressive problem…then we’ll transfer on to the following staff, the following opponent. Use these video games to check ourselves, construct our habits, enhance by way of the course of the season as we all the time do. And all of the noise all of the stuff round that’s actually distracts you from these issues.”
Greater than the 2 groups youth, they’ve each constructed by way of drafting. They each made key trades and changes to load up on draft picks, permitting for choices annually.
Moreover, each have been graced with a 7-plus-foot phenom. The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder drafted Chet Holmgren second total in 2022. Due to damage, he sat out what ought to have been his rookie season.
The Spurs had been lucky to draft Victor Wembanyama with the primary total decide the next 12 months, resulting in hypothesis of a Rookie of the 12 months race between Wemby and Holmgren. There was no query as to a transparent winner as Victor swept the 99 first place votes, whereas Holmgren obtained 98 second place votes and one third place vote. With out Wemby, Holmgren was a shoo-in for ROTY. Alas, Wemby is who he’s.
For the Spurs, Victor Wembanyama is the highest participant, the main focus, and much and away probably the most gifted participant on the staff. For OKC, Holmgren has Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP and Finals MVP. Whereas Homgren is a key asset within the Thunder’s success, he’s not their cornerstone.
But, the Wembanyama/Holmgren rivalry is partly what retains the general Spurs/Thunder rivalry in competition, however in an interview previous to the Western Convention Semifinals, Wembanyama expressed that there isn’t a comparability between the 2, a transfer which triggered ire from Dirk Nowitzki.
Rivalry or not, the Spurs and the Thunder are in the identical division and play each other 4 instances a 12 months. This season, due to the NBA Emirates Cup, there’s an extra fifth face off. And if these two groups meet wholesome within the postseason, beware.
For now, it appears the rivalry is extra a product of media questions and fan booing than of gamers growing profession grudges.
Because it stands, the Spurs have given the Thunder two of their 4 losses this season. Can they reward wrap one other win for the followers again dwelling this afternoon?
Merry Christmas, Pounders.
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