San Antonio Spurs lost their preseason opener in an evident battle between number 1 rookie, Victor Wembanyama and Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren.
The Thunder and San Antonio Spurs tipped off their NBA preseason campaigns against each other, keeping a significant focus on the clash of the league’s newest rivalry; Wembanyama vs. Holmgren.
Holmgren finished the game with 21 points and nine rebounds — outdoing Wembanyama by one point — and shot 7-of-10 in the process.
The Thunders were able to win the game by one point.
Luguentz Dor also finished with 14 points for his team.
San Antonio struck first with a 7-0 run to start things off, using Tre Jones, Zach Collins, and Devin Vassell to create a spark.
The Thunder got back into the game after Holmgren scored 14 quick points — most of which came under the rim to tie the game up with four minutes to play in the first quarter.
The Spurs continued, taking a 13-point lead into the second quarter of the game.
Thunder veteran Isaiah Joe also finished the game with 14 points, most of which came in the second quarter — and went to the line 10 times on 90% shooting to keep his team in the game.
The Thunders took control of the game in the third quarter.
Their first-year veteran Davis Bertans opened the scoring in the third quarter hitting four 3-pointers in the first half of the third quarter alone.
The Thunders took a narrow lead and the Spurs remained within three points until two more Joe free throws extended that lead to five with under two minutes to play in the third.
Both coaches used their bench options for the younger players to experience a high-class match.
A late run by the Spurs brought them within one point with under 30 seconds to play, but a missed 3-pointer by Devonte Graham secured the 122-121 victory for Oklahoma City.
