"It's time to have a conversation" - NBA fans fuel Chet Holmgren propaganda after 'owning' Victor Wembanyama matchup

Victor Wembanyama had his worst game of his NBA career on Wednesday against Chet Holmgren and the OKC Thunder. The 2023-24 Rookie of the Year winner finished with a career-low six points on 1-for-5 shooting, including 0-for-3 from behind the arc in 27 minutes of action. Wembanyama also committed four turnovers and did not attempt a shot in the second half in the San Antonio Spurs’ 105-93 loss.

Holmgren put up better numbers than Wembanyma in Oklahoma's win. The Thunder big man had 19 points on an efficient 7-for-10 clip, including 100% accuracy (3-for-3) from deep.

Basketball fans reacted on X (formerly Twitter) following the matchup between last season’s top rookies, with some suggesting it's time to closely examine the rivalry and how Chet Holmgren has been coming out on top.

“It’s time to have a conversation," one said.

Another added:

“I think it’s safe to say Chet owns this rivalry”

Another fan commented:

“Chet made another statement. He’s the real deal.”

“Chet Locked up wemby,” another fan said.

Other fans expressed optimism about Chet Holmgren's potential to accumulate accolades in the future.

"Chet an all star this season," one said.

"Espn had wemby over AD he not even better then chet rn 💀," another added.

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The Spurs’ poor 3-point shooting made life difficult for Victor Wembanyama

The biggest difference in the game was the defensive strategies the San Antonio Spurs and the OKC Thunder employed. San Antonio was focused on stopping Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, last season’s MVP runner-up, while OKC's entire defensive plan was designed to stop Victor Wembanyama.

The Frenchman is San Antonio's first option on offense, but he faced relentless pressure from the Thunder. They dared him to shoot from deep and swarmed all over him when he drove to the basket or positioned himself in the paint. Victor Wembanyama took only five shots because the Thunder wanted him to pass to open teammates.

Chet Holmgren, the third option in the Thunder’s offense, thrived with all the attention on “SGA.” He would dart into the paint for lobs and layups. On a few occasions, San Antonio’s poor rotation gave him too much room to shoot.

The Spurs shot 12-for-36 from deep, missing numerous open looks. When they couldn’t punish Oklahoma’s strategy, Victor Wembanyama found it difficult even to receive the ball.

Lu Dort, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Alex Caruso and the rest of OKC’s backcourt consistently bothered Wembanyama when he put the ball on the floor. Chet Holmgren stuck to him wherever he went. The Thunder forced 18 steals, with Caruso and Jalen Williams tallying four apiece.