The NBA preseason’s first encounter between Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama created a number of interesting exchanges between the two. Fans appear to be in for a number of exciting matches between the two in the years to come as both players try to make an impression in the league. Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren appeared to be in a different league, even when they were on the same court as other NBA players.
Holmgren, the second pick in the 2022 draft, also made his debut after regaining his foot strength following a Lisfranc injury. However, it was Victor’s debut too, where he made his first NBA preseason game. Despite the Thunder came out on top in the game, 122-121, both rookies showed promise right away.
“100%… I plan on playing a long time, and I’m sure he does too so there’ll be no choice but to go back and forth… [I’m excited for] the future down the road.”
Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren on competing with Victor Wembanyama in the years to come.pic.twitter.com/8noLVzx269
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 10, 2023
After the game Chet Holmgren gave an interview where he said, “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.”
The San Antonio Spurs preseason matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder gave fans a tantalizing look at the abilities and tenacity of the NBA’s newest stars. Even though the season has only just begun, Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren have already laid the groundwork for a thrilling one.
Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama impressed for their respective teams recently
Both the players Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama made a great opening in the first preseason game. In the 122-121 victory, Holmgren had a game-high 21 points, nine rebounds, one assist, and one blocked shot. In 16 minutes, he made 7 of 10 field goal attempts, becoming the first Thunder rookie to record at least 21 points in a preseason debut.
Wembanyama led the Spurs on the other side with 20 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block in 19 minutes of play. Since DeJuan Blair in 2009, he became the first Spurs rookie to score at least 20 points in a preseason game. They previously clashed at the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup in 2021.
With 10 points from Holmgren, the Americans defeated Wembanyama and France to win the gold medal. Wembanyama finished with a game-high 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 blocks.
The two men won’t face off again in the preseason this year, but they will do so four times in the regular season. Fans will have to wait until 2024 to watch them compete after the first regular-season match between the two on November 14. On January 24, February 29, and April 10, Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama will square off three more times.
The head-to-head for the Spurs and Hornets game is all the way for the Spurs. In the total of 41 matches, Spurs have been a giant and won 31 matches out of it whereas Hornets have won only 10. On November 14, TNT will feature the first regular-season encounter between Wembanyama and Holmgren. Let’s see if Chet Hornets are ready for the victor’s Spurs.