One of many prevailing narratives of the NBA season has been the battle for Rookie of the Yr. Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren have each had nice seasons as versatile huge males. Wembanyama has put up higher counting stats, however Holmgren’s workforce has received extra video games. It’s becoming that of their second assembly of the season, Wembanyama put up the higher stats, however Holmgren’s workforce received the sport.
The San Antonio Spurs fell to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder 140-114. Totally on the again of Shai Gilegeous-Alexander, who was unstoppable on his approach to 32 factors and 12 assists. The Thunder shot 45% from three-point vary and over 50% from the sector, placing on an offensive clinic towards San Antonio.
They didn’t have a solution for Wembanyama, who was aggressive from the tip. He completed the sport with 24 factors, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks. His rival, Holmgren, had 17 factors, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and three blocks within the win.
Wembanyama was further aggressive on this one. You may inform that the matchup meant one thing further to him, whether or not he admits to that or not.
Holmgren didn’t go at Wembanyama a lot within the first half. He didn’t must, as Jalen Williams and SGA had been carrying the scoring load for the Thunder. Wembanyama was in a position to block his shot right here regardless of the nice display from Vasilije Micic.
The Thunder elected to place Holmgren on Sochan, and depart the smaller Williams with the Wemby task. The Spurs’ rookie heart did a superb job of benefiting from this mismatch on the offensive boards and within the low submit. He used his peak benefit to go excessive of the Thunder protection, grabbing 6 offensive rebounds.
This rip-through dunk, with no dribble, thoughts you, was the most effective performs of the evening. Really one in all Wemby’s most “wow” moments. He gave Holmgren a little bit of a stare down after this one, too.
That is the play everybody will likely be speaking about, although. Wembanyama going proper by Holmgren’s chest and jamming it with two palms. Then we get the stare down of the evening.
After that play, Wemby obtained a tip in (that may have gone off Chet into the basket) and he was laughing at him. This rivalry goes to be superior to trace for years to return.
This block on Giddey was the second time we’ve seen Wembanyama simply swallow a shot entire. On the opposite finish he lobbed the ball to Blake Wesley, who if not fouled, would have accomplished the most effective sequences of the sport.
Regardless of the spotlight performs from Wembanyama, the Spurs had no probability on this recreation. The bench performed too poorly for San Antonio to remain in it. They’ll hope to bounce again towards the Portland Path Blazers on Friday evening.
You’ll find full recreation highlights under.
