The Oklahoma City Thunder are sitting atop the NBA once again with a league-best 26-4 record, but don’t let that pristine win-loss column fool you - there’s a brewing tension just beneath the surface. And it’s coming from an unexpected source: the San Antonio Spurs. Despite their youth and growing pains, the Spurs have handed the Thunder two of their last three losses, and they’re doing it with a rising star who’s not backing down from anyone - especially not Chet Holmgren.
Victor Wembanyama has been the centerpiece of San Antonio’s fight this season. And when it comes to facing Oklahoma City, he’s bringing a little extra fire. Whether it's the budding competition with Holmgren or just the thrill of knocking off the league’s top team, Wemby has shown he circles these games on his calendar.
There’s no question Wembanyama and Holmgren are two of the most unique young bigs the NBA has seen in years - long, skilled, and redefining what it means to be a modern center. And while the media is eager to frame this as the next great rivalry, Holmgren isn’t taking the bait.
In a recent sit-down with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, Holmgren was asked directly if he considers Wembanyama a rival.
“I don't think it's ever been up to players or teams to declare rivalries,” Holmgren replied. “So you're asking the wrong person.”
When asked if the two have ever spoken off the court, Holmgren didn’t hesitate: “Not a full sentence, I don't think.”
That’s about as cold as it gets - not in a disrespectful way, but in the way two competitors might keep their distance when they know they’re going to be measured against each other for years to come.
And when you watch them go head-to-head, it’s clear both players turn it up a notch. There’s an intensity, a focus, a little extra edge in their game. Wembanyama has been more vocal in recent weeks, throwing subtle jabs in Holmgren’s direction, but Holmgren has kept his head down and let his play do the talking.
After the Spurs’ most recent win over the Thunder - another notch in Wemby’s belt - the 7-foot-4 phenom was asked if this matchup is officially a rivalry.
“It feels like saying it is a rivalry would be a weird thing because it's not something that feels natural,” Wembanyama said. “I didn't say that it's impossible that it can't be in the future. I hope it will be soon, but we're definitely getting closer.”
That’s a telling quote. Wemby isn’t calling it a rivalry yet, but he’s not shying away from the idea either. He knows what’s building here - two generational talents, two young teams on the rise, and a handful of games that already feel like mini playoff battles.
The Thunder may be the best team in the league right now, but the Spurs - led by a confident and fearless Wembanyama - are making it clear they’re not intimidated. And if this keeps up, we might be witnessing the early stages of the NBA’s next great rivalry.
It’s not official yet. But it’s coming.