Coming into Tuesday night time, the NBA hype machine was buzzing with anticipation for the conflict of the rookies, Victor Wembanyama versus Chet Holmgren.
FIRST CHAPTER OF WEMBY & CHET
Each off to unimaginable begins, the 2023 No. 1 general decide Victor Wembanyama and 2022 No. 2 general decide Chet Holmgren go head-to-head in NBA In-Season Match motion tonight!
SPURS/THUNDER: 7:30 PM ET on TNT pic.twitter.com/rbrBwsi0gd
— NBA (@NBA) November 14, 2023
Nonetheless, the outcome was moderately disappointing, as Oklahoma Metropolis secured a dominating victory with a 36-point lead. Each rookies struggled, combining for under 17 factors on a dismal 28% taking pictures from the sector throughout 25 makes an attempt. This sport served as a sobering reminder that these two gamers are nonetheless very younger, and maybe it’s untimely to make them the focus of prime NBA video games.
Latest performances by San Antonio put issues into perspective for the rookie. Regardless of Wembanyama’s thunderous begin to the season, the first aim for the Spurs stays long-term competitiveness. His scenario is lower than supreme in comparison with Holmgren, who advantages from enjoying alongside among the finest level guards in Shea Gildrous-Alexander. Nonetheless, this hasn’t hindered Wembanyama from main the way in which towards different rookies.
At present, he’s the odds-on favourite with Holmgren in second place. The 2 will face off three extra occasions this season, making it attention-grabbing to see how they match up all year long. The race for Rookie of the Yr guarantees to be thrilling, and hopefully, Wembanyama will keep his lead come April.
Whereas the sport could not have been nice, no less than it produced my favourite picture to date. I consider the NBA ought to contemplate updating their brand to characteristic this epic second.
It’s been a rollercoaster experience for Spurs and Wembanyama followers during the last 10 days, however brighter days lie forward. The crew is getting into a better stretch of the schedule, going through some under .500 groups.
Good Information: The Spurs may have a combating likelihood towards some groups which might be Truly Unhealthy
Unhealthy Information: We should put together to witness a few of the most unethical basketball in NBA historical past pic.twitter.com/6fxRz601ra
— Tom Petrini (@RealTomPetrini) November 15, 2023
Surprisingly, solely Toronto Raptors’ breakout participant Scotty Barnes has extra blocks and steals than Wembanyama. I count on the rookie to surpass Scotty and lead the league on this stat by the tip of the 12 months.
MOST Steals + Blocks this season:
1. Scottie Barnes — 362. Victor Wembanyama — 353. Anthony Davis — 344. Ausar Thompson — 345. Chet Holmgren — 32 pic.twitter.com/sfbTCYZ5zq
— ً (@enra6ed) November 14, 2023
A brand new addition to Wembanyama’s arsenal? Up to now couple of video games, he has showcased spectacular slingshot passes. Rely me as an enormous fan.
