The NBA has always had legendary rivalries—Magic vs. Bird, Thomas vs. Jordan—classics that defined an era. But the modern game needed its own iconic showdown, and that’s how we got the tallboys: Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren. These two have been dueling for years, and with Holmgren on the reigning champions OKC, Wemby knows there’s no room for anything less than his best.

Speaking to NBC before the game, Wemby shared his thoughts on facing Chet Holmgren: “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.”

Wembanyama is finally set to return to the court after missing 12 games with a calf strain last month. Excitement was already through the roof, but anticipation hit another level when fans realized he would face his archrival, Holmgren of the Thunder. But Wemby isn’t letting Chet distract him. His full attention is on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP and the player he knows will define the game.

Just a night earlier, Wembanyama had openly said he believes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the best player in the league. There was no confusion about Shai’s impact. SGA, the reigning MVP and defending champion, made his mindset clear when asked about the matchup, “Winning matters. And no matter what form it looks like to me. So absolutely.”

Oklahoma City has backed that mentality all season, opening with eight straight wins, including two double-overtime thrillers, and then ripping off 16 consecutive victories after an early November loss to the Blazers to punch their ticket to Vegas for an NBA Cup shot.

SGA’s play has only strengthened his MVP case. He’s averaging 32.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.5 steals while shooting an elite 56.2% from the field and 45.4% from three. Defensively, he’s been just as sharp, owning the lowest defensive rating among point guards at 105.3, making him a nightmare assignment on both ends. Slowing him down is easier said than done, and it’s exactly why Wemby’s attention has been locked in on him.

The praise keeps getting louder. On the Club520 podcast, Jeff Teague said, “He could become the second-best point guard of all time,” before adding, “If he stays on this run for a couple more years… if he wins the championship again with another MVP and Finals MVP, he’s already surpassed everybody, to me.”

As of halftime, Oklahoma City holds a 49–46 lead over the Spurs, but while Wemby’s eyes are on Shai, fans are still circling the same matchup they can’t wait to see: Wembanyama vs. Holmgren.

The clash of the two ‘unicorns’: Chet vs. Wemby

The buzz around Victor Wembanyama and Holmgren is hard to miss, and it’s easy to see why. Their rivalry dates back to 2021, when the U.S. faced France in the FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup championship. That first clash set the tone for years of intense matchups, later reinforced in the NBA with preseason showdowns that showcased why neither can truly overshadow the other.

Together, they’ve become symbols of the modern big man: towering 7-footers who dominate the paint defensively while stretching the floor with 3-point range, controlling basketball’s most valuable real estate and opening space for teammates simply by being on the floor.

Top Stories

Lakers’ Gabe Vincent Dishes on LeBron James, Luka Doncic’s Sacrifices, Role on the Team and More (Exclusive)

Arrest For Shaquille O’Neal’s Stolen Range Rover Made But More Bad News Awaits

Calls Mount Against NBA Refs After Stephen Curry Wrongfully Punished vs Timberwolves

Caitlin Clark, JuJu Watkins Announce Injury Update After Months of Battle

Lakers Champ Isaiah Rider Breaks Silence On Arrest For Order Violation

Wembanyama’s focus on improving his game is clear. He’s cut down his 3-point attempts by four per game this season, prioritizing smarter plays in the paint. Despite missing 12 games with a calf strain, he’s still leading the NBA 25 Under 25 list and generating MVP buzz. But he’s also nearing the 65-game benchmark needed to qualify for any season-ending awards, and as long as he stays healthy, he’s on track to meet it.

Holmgren isn’t far behind at No. 9, and his defensive impact is elite; opponents shoot just 50.4% on dunks and layups when he’s the closest defender, ranking fifth among 103 players with over 500 shots defended, just behind Wembanyama.

Yet both players keep the drama off the court. Holmgren summed it up last year, “No matter what, it’s always going to be the Thunder versus our opponent.” Wembanyama has also admitted he’s motivated by Chet’s success, knowing his rival is already a champion.