San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama and Oklahoma Metropolis’s Chet Holmgren lived as much as the hype of their first ever NBA preseason video games.
Holmgren had 21 factors and 9 rebounds in 16 first-half minutes, and the Thunder defeated the Spurs 122-121 on Monday evening. Wembanyama had 20 factors and 5 rebounds in 19 minutes, principally within the first half.
Wembanyama was the No. 1 general decide within the 2023 draft. Holmgren was the No. 2 decide within the 2022 draft, however he suffered a foot damage within the offseason and missed all of final season.
The 7-foot-1 Holmgren received the opening tip towards the 7-4 Wembanyama, however the two didn’t match up typically. Each confirmed off their big selection of expertise, from dealing with the ball and driving by visitors to creating 3-pointers. Holmgren regarded to attain within the early minutes whereas Wembanyama principally deferred to his teammates.
Holmgren scored first when he made considered one of two free throws. He scored on a driving layup, then obtained fouled shortly after that and made two free throws. He scored 5 factors within the first three minutes.
Wembanyama turned extra aggressive as he obtained into the circulate. His first basket was a two-handed dunk. He then rejected Jalen Williams, an All-Rookie choice final season.
A bit later, Wembanyama drove proper at Holmgren, scored, drew a foul and made the free throw to place the Spurs up 21-15.
Holmgren had 14 factors and 7 rebounds in eight minutes earlier than taking a break. Wembanyama had 10 factors in seven minutes earlier than his first relaxation.
The 2 continued their present within the second quarter. At one level, Wembanyama hit a 25-foot 3-pointer and Holmgren answered with a 27-footer 10 seconds later.
The Spurs had a 65-48 lead when Wembanyama rested and the Thunder went on a 21-12 run to climb again into the sport.
Wembanyama had 18 factors on 7-for-9 taking pictures within the first half to assist San Antonio take an 81-74 lead on the break.
Reporting by The Related Press.
Chet Holmgren
Victor Wembanyama
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