Mandy
Victor Wembanyama’s electrifying shout and flex at T-Mobile Arena marked a pivotal moment in the December 13 NBA Cup semifinal, as his San Antonio Spurs secured a dramatic victory over Oklahoma City.
The Spurs had managed to hold on to a narrow lead, even as Chet Holmgren of the Thunder missed a crucial free throw with just seconds to spare.
This win, which ended the defending champions’ 16-game winning streak, highlighted the growing intensity between these two teams—a rivalry that may define the future of the Western Conference.
A Competitive History: Wembanyama And Holmgren’s Fued
The roots of this rivalry stretch back to 2021 when Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren, both towering figures at 7-feet tall, first met in the FIBA Under-19 World Cup.
Back then, Wembanyama’s French team lost to Team USA, where Holmgren played a starring role. Their encounters since then have been marked by a competitive animosity, culminating in the electric semifinal win.
The emotional reaction from Wembanyama as he celebrated the Spurs’ victory spoke volumes—this game was more than just a victory; it was a message to the Thunder.
Spurs’ Young Core: A New Force In The West
Despite their youth, the San Antonio Spurs are quickly emerging as a formidable force in the Western Conference.
With Wembanyama at the helm, alongside a talented supporting cast that includes Keldon Johnson and other rising stars, the Spurs are building a team capable of challenging the league’s elite.
The Spurs’ impressive win in the semifinal was a statement—San Antonio is a serious contender, even though none of their players have yet seen a playoff game in Spurs uniforms.
Oklahoma City’s Formidable Young Dynasty
On the other side of the rivalry stands Oklahoma City. After a dominant 24-1 start to the season, the Thunder, led by reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are on track to become a dynasty of their own.
The Thunder’s style of play has made them a force to be reckoned with, but the Spurs have already proven that they can disrupt their dominance.
This growing rivalry, combined with geographical proximity, has led many to speculate that this could be one of the NBA’s most exciting matchups in years.
Historic Context: Spurs vs. Thunder In Playoffs
The Spurs and Thunder have a storied history, with their last postseason matchup dating back to the 2016 Western Conference semifinals.
In that series, the Thunder knocked off the Spurs in six games, with a standout performance from Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and Steven Adams.
The Spurs’ loss marked the beginning of a tough period for the team, with Tim Duncan stepping away from the game two months later.
Despite this, the rivalry did not materialize into a long-running feud, as the Thunder fell short in the playoffs for the following seasons.
Both teams struggled with postseason success, and Oklahoma City would eventually miss the playoffs for three consecutive years.
But with the current young talent on both rosters, the rivalry has the potential to ignite again.
The Spurs’ Message: Ready To Compete
San Antonio’s recent victory over Oklahoma City was more than just a win—it was a declaration. Stephon Castle, one of the rising Spurs stars, summed it up: “It just showed that we’re serious.”
The Spurs have proven they can compete with the best, and with Wembanyama leading the charge, they look set to challenge the Thunder and other top teams for years to come.
Wembanyama’s Thoughts On The Rivalry
After the semifinal win, Wembanyama remarked that the Spurs are trying to play a brand of basketball that is “pure and ethical,” drawing a contrast to some of the more physical styles employed by teams like Oklahoma City.
While his comments weren’t directly aimed at the Thunder, they sparked a lot of discussion. Was this a jab at Oklahoma City’s often aggressive defense and controversial foul calls?
Wembanyama’s focus seems to be on creating a team that plays the game the “right way,” a philosophy that could set the Spurs apart as their rivalry with the Thunder intensifies.
The Future Of The Rivalry: Spurs Vs. Thunder
Though Wembanyama humbly downplayed the idea of a rivalry in his postgame comments, there’s little doubt that the Spurs and Thunder are on a collision course.
Both teams are young, talented, and eager to prove themselves. As the Spurs build around Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper, the future of this rivalry looks bright.
Should both teams reach the top of the Western Conference, a true rivalry could take shape, with the winner positioning themselves for future championship runs.
Conclusion: A New Chapter In The West
As the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder continue to develop their young cores, the potential for a heated rivalry is evident.
With Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way for their respective teams, the next few seasons could see some of the most exciting matchups in the NBA.
Whether or not the rivalry fully blossoms remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: these two teams are going to be key players in the future of the Western Conference.
FAQs
What sparked the rivalry between the Spurs and Thunder?
The rivalry is rooted in competitive encounters between Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren since 2021 and has intensified as both teams develop young, star-studded rosters.
How has the Spurs’ performance shaped the rivalry with Oklahoma City?
San Antonio’s victory in the 2023 NBA Cup semifinal, where they snapped Oklahoma City’s 16-game winning streak, has put them on the map as a team to watch.
Will this rivalry impact the Western Conference in the future?
Both teams have promising young cores, and as they continue to develop, this rivalry could shape the Western Conference for years to come.