Although in many cases the conclusions that can be drawn from a NBA preseason game They are few, there are undoubtedly exceptions to the rule. And what is shown by Victor Wembanyama y Chet Holmgren in its first match with their respective franchises, was one of them. The French and the American shone in a Oklahoma City vs. San Antonio that ended with victory OKC por 122-121.
All the expectation of the meeting was placed on seeing the two new unicorns of the league in action. Although both had already filmed in the Summer Leagueit was his first game real with their franchises, beyond the preseason condition.
And not only Wemby y Chet they were up to the task, but directly they stole the show.
Wemby and Chet are DUELING on NBA TV!
Wemby: 10 PTS (4-5 FGM)
Chet: 14 PTS, 7 REBWhat a first quarter of #NBAPreseason action for these rookie bigs ???? pic.twitter.com/s4WrrprEKH
— NBA (@NBA) October 10, 2023
The first half already showed a dominant and stellar version of the two. Holmgren came into the break with 21 points, while Wembanyama did so with 18 points. In both cases, with amazing flashes of his entire offensive and defensive repertoire, both on the perimeter and near the rim.
In the second half, both were saved by their coaches. Wembanyama finished the night with 20 points and 5 rebounds in 19 minutes. Holmgren did it with 21 points and 9 boards in 16 minutes. And the fans of both teams, knowing that they have added a couple of players who, if they stay healthy, will leave their mark on the league. Even as rookies, in what promises to be a fight for the exciting Rookie of the Year.
There are many contact points between Wembanyama and Holmgren, who began to clash early in their careers, even competing in a Under 19 World Cup final in 2021. Beyond their physical similaritiesthey also share the fact of being interiors that guarantee points easy for his ability to run the field -especially French- and define on the hoopbut they can also create with the ball in his hands and score from the perimeter.
Neither of them will be the first offensive option of their teams, nor will they constantly play with the ball in their possession. But with his skills and resourcesthey will not even need that protagonism to approach the 20 points average from the moment they step onto an NBA field.
The difference, at least for now, is that Holmgren will do it for a Thunder that will surely will fight for Playoff places in the West, while – even with its good young structure – San Antonio should be far from those first steps in 2023-2024.
Another point that separates both: the way in which they will be used by their teams. OKC, as could be guessed from its last years of small-ball fullwill use Holmgren as unique interior in an alignment full of guards and playmakers (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Giddey and Dort). With so much passing and creative talent around him, Chet will have all kinds of spaces in the heart of opposing defenses.
THE LOB TO CHET
(via @BallySportsOK)pic.twitter.com/1Oh9nMwSlN
— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) October 10, 2023
San Antonio, on the other hand, will join Wembanyama with another interiorusing French as four. In this match he came out with Zach Collins as cincowhile he also shared minutes with another pure great like the Nigerian Charles Bassey. The Spurs will make the most of the double defensive facet of the European: his ability to protect the rim with plugsbut also their quick hands and long arms to generate losses on the perimeter. And at the same time, transform those steals into quick points in transition.
OH MAMA WEMBANYAMA ????@spurs | #PorVida | ????: BSSA pic.twitter.com/ux3QiS0yQm
— Bally Sports San Antonio (@BallySportsSA) October 10, 2023
It was just a preseason game. But Wembanyama and Holmgren’s talent is 100% NBA. And it is here to stay for a long time.
2023-10-10 02:25:44
#Victor #Wembanyama #Chet #Holmgren #taste #future #NBA #preseason #game
