Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren are slated to probably be the following nice rivalry within the NBA.
The 2 huge males might be competing for Rookie of the Yr honors and if their earlier historical past is any indication, they may placed on a present each time they play one another.
Whereas their rivalry has already been fierce on the court docket, the 2 have expressed mutual respect for one another off it.
“[Holmgren] is a extremely good participant,” Wembanyama informed reporters earlier than going through him within the preseason. “I performed in opposition to him as soon as a few years again. He is a part of the good gamers of this era.”
“I plan on taking part in a very long time, and I’m certain [Wembanyama] does too,” Holmgren stated after their preseason sport. “So there’ll be no selection however to commute.”
The 2 have been in contrast as draft prospects ever since each had been extremely scouted of their highschool days. Here is how they’ve performed in opposition to each other so far.
MORE: Rookie Rankings: Holmgren on Wembanyama’s heels for No. 1 spot
Victor Wembanyama vs. Chet Holmgren within the U19 FIBA Basketball World Cup
The 2 first confronted off when Holmgren’s USA crew met Wembanyama’s French crew within the finals of the 2021 U19 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
On the time, Holmgren was thought of one of the best highschool prospect within the nation and a possible No. 1 choose within the 2022 draft. Wembanyama was already thought of a generational prospect and the long run No. 1 choose in 2023.
Holmgren had an honest sport, scoring 10 factors and recording 5 assists. He hit some 3s over Wembanyama however was largely held in examine. It was truly Kenneth Lofton Jr. who had probably the most success in opposition to Wembanyama. He used his measurement and energy to drop a team-high 16 factors, together with two post-up baskets backing down the French phenom.
Wembanyama had the higher hand individually over everybody that day, scoring 22 factors to associate with eight rebounds and an astounding eight blocks. He had two dunks over Holmgren and showcased a pleasant hook within the submit.
Holmgren’s U.S. crew ended up profitable 83-81 after Wembanyama fouled out with a bit of below three minutes left within the sport. Holmgren took dwelling the gold, together with the MVP trophy for the match. He appeared worse for put on after the sport.
pic.twitter.com/B3SHhuWJW7
— Nico Pascual (@niccopascual) November 3, 2023
Victor Wembanyama vs. Chet Holmgren within the 2023-24 NBA preseason
Wembanyama and Holmgren engaged in an electrical battle in each of their preseason debuts on Oct. 9, 2023. Wembanyama had 20 factors on 8-of-13 taking pictures, whereas Holmgren dropped 21 factors in 16 minutes.
MORE: Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren stats in preseason debut reveals why the hype is actual
The 2 engaged in a back-and-forth all sport, hitting back-to-back 3s and flexing on one another after made baskets.
Victor Wembanyama vs. Chet Holmgren is enjoyable. pic.twitter.com/IkEIHWwCUu
— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) October 10, 2023
Essentially the most memorable play of the sport was when Wembanyama head-butted Holmgren, ending by way of contact and drawing the foul. Holmgren joked after the sport that the transfer was unstoppable.
The headbutt is an unstoppable transfer fasho😂😂🤝 https://t.co/Oaz7Mz8f57
— chet holmgren (@ChetHolmgren) October 10, 2023
“I do know it is simply preseason, however for certain the video games in opposition to OKC are going to be fascinating,” Wembanyama stated afterward.
Victor Wembanyama vs. Chet Holmgren stats
Listed here are Wembanyama and Holmgren’s per-game averages getting into their first regular-season NBA matchup:
| Wembanyama | Stat | Holmgren |
|---|---|---|
| 30.2 | Minutes | 30.1 |
| 19.7 | Factors | 16.4 |
| 8.8 | Rebounds | 7.6 |
| 2.5 | Assists | 2.6 |
| 44.7 | Subject objective % | 54.9 |
| 29.8 | 3-point % | 50.0 |
| 2.4 | Blocks | 2.3 |
| 1.1 | Steals | 0.9 |
Victor Wembanyama vs. Chet Holmgren common season matchups
The Spurs and Thunder play 4 instances within the 2023-24 season. Their first assembly might be on TNT on Nov. 14 as a part of the In-Season Event group play stage. Their second matchup is on Jan. 24 on ABC.
Right here is their full slate of video games (all instances Jap Time):
- Nov. 15 at Oklahoma Metropolis (7:30 p.m. on TNT)
- Jan. 24 at San Antonio (8:30 p.m. on ABC)
- Feb. 29 at San Antonio (8:30 p.m.)
- April 10 at Oklahoma Metropolis (8:00 p.m.)
