Two months after their first one-sided clash during the In-Season Tournament, Victor Wembanyama And Chet Holmgren found themselves at the heart of this “Rivals Week”. The opportunity for the Frenchman to compile 24 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks in 28 minutes (at 9/18), while the American accumulated 17 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks in 30 minutes (at 7/13) .
Collectively, the gap between Thunder and the Spurs was much more important than between “Wemby” and Chet Holmgren, since OKC crushed the Texan franchise (140-114), behind the 32 points, 10 assists and 6 rebounds of the inevitable Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (in “only” 29 minutes).
A great success, the fourth in a row, which allows Oklahoma City to maintain its place as leader in the West, tied with Minnesota, while San Antonio lost for the sixth time in seven games and still occupies last place in the same conference.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Chet Holmgren 2, Victor Wembanyama 0. Like two months ago, the Spurs were no match for the Thunder but, this time, Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren shone more individually. The two best rookies of the season had, of course, all the spotlights on them and “Wemby” took the opportunity to pull off some brilliant actions against his rival, like when he dunked in front of him (then fixed him ) in the fourth quarter, or when he countered it in the second. At the finish, it was the solid interior of OKC who left again with victory, but his counterpart from San Antonio stood out the most.
– OKC too powerful for San Antonio. Without really any surprise, the duel between the best and worst team in the West resulted in a correction, as the Thunder are several classes ahead of the Spurs collectively. Not worried all evening and leading by +32 at the maximum, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's teammates blew up – without forcing – Gregg Popovich's men with their fiery attack: 56% shooting, 18 3-point baskets , 36 assists, 64 points in the paint and 33 points after turnovers. A new one-sided match therefore, between two teams which obviously do not have the same expectations.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
