Wembanyama Flexes On Chet Holmgren After Shifty And-1

What a statement play from the rook.

French phenom and first-overall NBA draft pick Victor Wembanyama looks ready to ball out for the Spurs. One preseason basketball game circled on many calendars is Monday night's matchup between Chet Holmgren's Thunder and Wembanyama's Spurs.

San Antonio Spurs French center #01 Victor Wembanyama gestures from the sidelines during the NBA pre-season basketball game between San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP) (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images)

Wemby has the early advantage on the anticipated matchup of bigs after crossing up Chet on a shifty layup attempt in the first quarter, getting the And-1 call and flexing on Chet.

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Wembanyama also used his superhuman size on defense. Ascending OKC guard Jalen Williams was rejected by Wemby in the first half.

Wemby is off to a hot start, finishing with 20 points in the Spurs' narrow 122-121 loss.

One year ago, Holmgren was the rookie unicorn of the NBA. At 7-foot-1, Holmgren exhibited incredible shot selection and precision, uncharacteristic of your typical 7-footer; though in this NBA era, the shooting big man is the most popular position.

Holmgren was drafted with the No. 2 pick in 2022 and missed out on his rookie season following a preseason foot injury. The Thunder and fans eagerly anticipate Holmgren's return to basketball, looking to elevate the young OKC squad.

We may be seeing the start of a potential rivalry between these big guys in the West.

San Antonio Spurs US forward #30 Julian Champagnie, San Antonio Spurs US power forward #23 Zach Collins, and San Antonio Spurs French center #01 Victor Wembanyama. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP) (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images)