Victor Wembanyama dominates and other takeaways from Thunder’s loss to Spurs

Victor Wembanyama outduels Chet Holmgren

Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren will forever be intertwined. In this particular game, Wembanyama had the upper hand. 

While the latter made early threes to start the game, Wembany shined astronomically bright when it mattered the most, draining deep baskets and executing clutch plays down the stretch. 

The two rookie centers had a series of back-and-forths in the second quarter in which both seven-footers scored by brushing off each other’s defensive stands, to the delight of the fans. 

Certainly, Wembanyama overshadowed Holmgren in the game. While the Thunder rookie had more efficient numbers, Wembanyama’s impact was undeniable, almost singlehandedly shifting the game towards the Spurs’ side when he returned in the fourth quarter. 

Wembanyama also made history by being the first player in NBA history to record 10 rebounds, five assists, and five three-pointers in a single game. 

"A lot of guys stepped up and hit big shots. Credit to them for coming ready to play."

- Chet Holmgren

Holmgren versus Wembanyama will always be a marquee matchup. For the Thunder to reach great heights, they need Holmgren to be in the spots on both ends of the floor and continue to prove himself against one of the best prospects in the sport. 

"No team is in the NBA for no reason. No player is in the NBA for no reason. Any team can beat another on any given night regardless of record or anything. They came out confident. Part of that was them, part of that was us. We should be better the next one,"

- Chet Holmgren