Saturday night gave us a glimpse of what could be one of the NBA’s next great rivalries - even if one of its central figures isn’t quite ready to call it that just yet.
In a high-energy NBA Cup semifinal showdown, the San Antonio Spurs went toe-to-toe with the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder and came out on top. This wasn’t a one-man show either - San Antonio rolled out four players who each dropped at least 22 points, a balanced scoring effort that powered them past a Thunder team that’s been the gold standard in the West.
Among those standout performances was Victor Wembanyama, who reminded everyone just how impactful he can be, even in limited minutes. Coming off an injury, Wemby logged 22 points in just 21 minutes - a reminder that his presence on the floor changes everything for San Antonio. His length, touch, and feel for the game are already elite, and he’s still just scratching the surface.
After the game, Thunder star and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had some big-picture thoughts. He praised the Spurs and hinted that a long-term rivalry could be brewing between these two young, talent-rich squads. It’s not hard to see why - both teams are led by dynamic, young superstars and are built with the future in mind.
But when asked about those comments ahead of Tuesday’s NBA Cup Final, Wembanyama took a more grounded approach. “I think we're not quite there yet,” he said.
“But it's a good sign that people see that it's possible. It's not like we're the second seed right now.
I don't think anybody right now can claim to have a rivalry with them in the league. They're in their own tier.”
That’s a measured response - and an honest one. Wemby isn’t denying the potential, but he’s also not rushing the narrative.
He knows the Spurs still have work to do before they can consistently challenge a team like OKC, which has earned its place at the top with consistent play and postseason success. But he also made it clear that he’s intrigued by the idea of building something that could one day match - or even surpass - the Thunder’s current level.
“If we reach that level, of course it'd be great to have a rivalry,” he added. “I'm very interested by it.”
That mutual respect between Wembanyama and Gilgeous-Alexander - and between their teams - is what makes this matchup so compelling. It’s not born out of bad blood or playoff grudges (at least not yet), but out of admiration and ambition. These are two franchises that see something in each other - a mirror, maybe, or a measuring stick.
The Spurs aren’t sitting at the top of the standings like the Thunder, but their young core is one of the most exciting in the league. Wembanyama is the headliner, but the supporting cast around him is starting to find its rhythm too. If they stay healthy and continue to develop, it’s not hard to imagine these two teams trading blows for years to come.
For now, San Antonio will shift its focus to Tuesday’s NBA Cup Final - a chance to add an early piece of hardware to this young group’s resume. After that, they’ll head back home to host the Washington Wizards on Thursday before hitting the road for a short two-game trip.
The Spurs may not be in the Thunder’s tier just yet, but if Saturday night was any indication, they’re closing the gap - and fast.