The Spurs and Thunder faced off Monday night during a preseason game in which the world got its first look at the what might be the NBA’s next best rivalry: Victor Wembanyama vs. Chet Holmgren.
The two seven-footers squared off as if it were the Western Conference finals, with Oklahoma City pulling out a 122–121 victory at home. But before that, Wembanyama emphatically sent Holmgren a message on the court, prompting the Thunder big man to respond later on social media.
During the first quarter, Wembanyama was being defended by Holmgren but drove right at his chest. The result of the play was an and-one layup, and Wembanyama flexed his biceps while Holmgren was on the ground in pain holding his face.
The headbutt is an unstoppable move fasho😂😂🤝 https://t.co/Oaz7Mz8f57
— chet holmgren (@ChetHolmgren) October 10, 2023
After the game, Holmgren seemed to imply that the move was dirty.
“The headbutt is an unstoppable move fasho,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Sarah Phipps/AP
During the play, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA draft can clearly be seen getting low on the drive and then raised his head up toward the basket—right into Holmgren’s face. Hopefully, for Holmgren’s sake, the move won’t become a staple in Wembanyama’s repertoire.
Wembanyama finished with 20 points and five rebounds, and Holmgren—who was picked with the No. 2 pick in the 2022 draft— notched 21 points and nine boards in the win.
Respect between the rooks. #NBAPreseason@ChetHolmgren: 21 PTS, 9 REB, W@wemby: 20 PTS, 5 REB pic.twitter.com/yk9JrorOoY
— NBA (@NBA) October 10, 2023
