Chet Holmgren, Thunder Remind Spurs Who They Are in Return of the NBA’s Best Rivalry
Sports Illustrated • • sports
Key Points:
- Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs in their season opener, with Chet Holmgren delivering a standout defensive performance by limiting Victor Wembanyama to a career-worst shooting night.
- Holmgren, who was heavily criticized after last season's Western Conference finals, has focused on steady improvement and resilience, demonstrating growth and confidence despite a preseason quad injury.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and coach Mark Daigneault emphasized Holmgren's importance to the team's success, highlighting his defensive skills and competitive mindset as key factors.
- The Thunder showcased a strong collective effort with contributions from key players like Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Jared McCain, and rookie Aday Mara, signaling a promising outlook for the season.
- The Spurs-Thunder rivalry remains intense and is expected to continue with more high-stakes matchups, as both teams are considered top contenders in the Western Conference.
