Photo: House of Highlights/YouTube

Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren has played down the personal side of his rivalry with San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, saying his focus remains on improving his game rather than their individual matchups.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix published Monday, October 19, Holmgren was asked whether Wembanyama had made their rivalry personal after some pointed comments over the years.

“That’s a question for him,” Holmgren replied.

Asked whether playing the Spurs felt different from facing other Western Conference contenders, Holmgren was similarly reluctant to single out San Antonio. “I wouldn’t put it that way,” he said, adding that he relishes every game.

The matchup has gained significance after the Spurs eliminated Oklahoma City in seven games in the 2026 Western Conference finals. Wembanyama averaged 27.3 points in the series, while Holmgren averaged 10.7. In Game 7, Wembanyama recorded 22 points and seven rebounds, compared with four points and four rebounds for Holmgren.

Holmgren said the experience gave him lessons he could apply against any opponent. After taking a few weeks to reflect on the defeat, he focused on reviewing film, adjusting to the defensive coverages teams used against him, improving his strength and speeding up his shot release.

His regular season had been productive before the playoff disappointment. In 69 games in 2025-26, Holmgren averaged career highs of 17.1 points and 8.9 rebounds while shooting 55.7% from the field. He also made 36.2% of his three-point attempts and earned his first All-Star selection and All-NBA Third Team honor, along with All-Defensive First Team recognition.

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault backed Holmgren, arguing that the difficult series should not overshadow his overall impact. Daigneault said he was more confident in the big man because he had another year of experience and had internalized the loss in a productive way.

Holmgren and Wembanyama have faced each other 15 times in their NBA careers, with San Antonio holding an 8-7 edge. Their next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday’s season opener in San Antonio, although Holmgren’s availability remained uncertain after he missed the preseason with a quad injury.