Chet Holmgren: Chet Holmgren proved unstoppable on Wednesday night, showcasing his defensive prowess as the Oklahoma City Thunder outplayed the San Antonio Spurs with a commanding 105-93 victory. Matched against the Spurs’ celebrated 7-footer, Victor Wembanyama, Holmgren delivered a standout performance, casting aside the hype around their growing rivalry and focusing purely on the game.

Holmgren opened with intensity, swatting Wembanyama’s attempted lob and setting the tone for the Thunder’s impenetrable defense. “The NBA’s promotion is just part of the game. My focus is always on winning,” Holmgren said postgame, minimizing the rivalry narrative. His defense forced the Spurs into difficult shots, limiting them to just 10 points on 4-for-17 shooting when Holmgren guarded them. The Thunder racked up 18 steals—second only to their franchise record—piling on 27 points off Spurs turnovers.

The 22-year-old Thunder star delivered across the board, with 19 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks, consistently breaking up the Spurs’ offensive rhythm. When tasked with guarding Wembanyama, Holmgren held him scoreless on two attempts, showcasing his development into one of the league’s premier defenders. Meanwhile, Wembanyama logged just six points—his career low—struggling to find his rhythm against Oklahoma City’s relentless defense.

Holmgren’s offensive skill has also matured. As he pursues more shots at the rim and increases his physicality on both ends of the floor, his agility and precision contribute to the Thunder’s potent, team-centered offense. Head coach Mark Daigneault’s system prioritizes quick decisions, movement, and high defensive intensity—qualities Holmgren embodies. This season, he’s taken 41.4% of his shots at the rim, a noticeable increase that underscores his assertiveness and growth as a leader on the court.

In this early stretch of the season, the Thunder are undefeated, sitting atop the Western Conference as Holmgren shines on both offense and defense. The team’s adaptability, combined with Holmgren’s star-level play, highlights his impact on the court, keeping fans and analysts buzzing about his rise.

The Thunder will next face the Spurs in three weeks, and all eyes will be on the Holmgren-Wembanyama matchup, as Holmgren continues his journey to NBA stardom.