Chet Holmgren, Victory Wembanyama shine in NBA preseason debuts

San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama and Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren lived up to the buzz in their veryfirst ever NBA preseason videogames.

Holmgren had 21 points and 9 rebounds in 16 first-half minutes, and the Thunder beat the Spurs 122-121 on Monday night. Wembanyama had 20 points and 5 rebounds in 19 minutes, mainly in the veryfirst half.

Wembanyama was the No. 1 total choice in the 2023 draft. Holmgren was the No. 2 choice in the 2022 draft, however he suffered a foot injury in the offseason and missedouton all of last season.

The 7-foot-1 Holmgren won the opening idea versus the 7-4 Wembanyama, however the 2 did not match up typically. Both revealed off their large variety of abilities, from handling the ball and driving through traffic to making 3-tips. Holmgren looked to rating in the early minutes while Wembanyama primarily delayed to his colleagues.

Holmgren scored veryfirst when he made one of 2 complimentary tosses. He scored on a driving layup, then got fouled soon after that and made 2 complimentary tosses. He scored 5 points in the veryfirst 3 minutes.

Wembanyama endedupbeing more aggressive as he got into the circulation. His veryfirst basket was a two-handed dunk. He then declined Jalen Williams, an All-Rookie choice last season.

A bit lateron, Wembanyama drove right at Holmgren, scored, drew a nasty and made the totallyfree toss to put the Spurs up 21-15.

Holmgren had 14 points and 7 rebounds in 8 minutes before taking a break. Wembanyama had 10 points in 7 minutes before his veryfirst rest.

The 2 continued their program in the 2nd quarter. At one point, Wembanyama hit a 25-foot 3-guideline and Holmgren respondedto with a 27-footer 10 seconds lateron.

The Spurs had a 65-48 lead when Wembanyama rested and the Thunder went on a 21-12 run to climb back into the videogame.

Wembanyama had 18 points on 7-for-9 shooting in the veryfirst half to aid San Antonio take an 81-74 lead at the break.

Reporting by The Associated Press.