Victor Wembanyama vs. Chet Holmgren is one of the most talked-about matchups as the San Antonio Spurs prepare to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals on Monday.
Wembanyama and Holmgren have been pitted against each other since their teen years. Their biggest clash ahead of their meetings in the NBA came in 2021 as Holmgren represented Team USA while Wembanyama suited up for France at the 2021 FIBA U19 World Cup Final. Team USA won 83-81 as France finished as runners-up.
Over the years, their rivalry has drawn significant attention from fans, with some wondering if there is true animosity among both players. From what they’ve said in the media, Wembanyama and Holmgren don’t hold any grudges, and their rivalry does not extend beyond the basketball court.
Speaking to the media in December, Wembanyama dismissed the notion of there being a rivalry between him and Holmgren.
“No, I don’t think about that,” said Wembanyama of his rivalry with Holmgren. “At least from a basketball standpoint, there’s no comparison between us.”
The same month, Holmgren also told the media that he had never actually spoken to Wembanyama.
“Not a full sentence, I don’t think,” Holmgren said. “But not in like a, don’t take that and run with it in the wrong way, media, I don’t know, we’ve just never really crossed paths.”
However, the pair have had moments that have added to their rivalry. Speaking on his matchup against Holmgren in December, Wembanyama deflected the question, saying that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the main focus when the Spurs play the Thunder:
“The reigning MVP is on that court, so he’s our main focus. Anybody is hard to guard when you have to help on the MVP.”
Dirk Nowitzki reacted to Wembanyama’s comment, calling it dismissive.
“I didn’t love (Wemby’s) answer about Chet. I wish he had given him a little credit. To me, it’s too swaggy, too dismissive,” Nowitzki said.
A closer look at Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren’s performance ahead of Western Conference finals matchup
Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs on both ends of the floor in the 2025-26 season, averaging 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.1 blocks, shooting 51.2% in 64 games.
He led San Antonio in scoring this season and also became the first unanimous winner of the Defensive Player of the Year award. He has also been productive in the playoffs, recording 20.3 points, 10.7 rebounds and 4.1 blocks in 10 games.
Chet Holmgren, meanwhile, played 69 games for the Thunder, recording 17.1 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game, shooting 55.7%, including 36.2% from 3-point range. His production on both ends of the floor significantly benefited the Thunder, who finished with the best record in the league, going 64-18.
Holmgren has been productive in the playoffs, recording 18.6 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game, shooting 60.0%. If both players stay healthy, their matchup in the Western Conference finals should be quite a spectacle. Game 1 of the series will tip off from Paycom Center on Monday.
Read More: Victor Wembanyama Faces Massive Backlash From Fans After Egregious Flop in Game 6 vs Timberwolves
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