Wembanyama on OKC rivalry opening up: “we’re definitely getting closer”
The Spurs star spoke out after the heated game against the OKC saw their rivalry take another step forward.
San Antonio’s Spurs have quickly become the team no one in the Western Conference wants to face right now, and Tuesday night’s emphatic victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder highlighted just how significant this matchup has become.
In a 130-110 demolition at Frost Bank Center, the Spurs not only handed the Thunder their pants for the second time in 10 days but also ignited talk of a genuine rivalry brewing between two of the league’s powerhouses.
Victor Wembanyama, eased back into action after a recent calf issue, finished with 12 points, and his presence was an important factor in the Spurs’ balanced attack.
For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued his prolific scoring run with 33 points. His performance kept Oklahoma City in the fight through three quarters, and it marked his fourth straight game with at least 30 points.
Luka Dončić, Victor Wembanyama and Stephen Curry top the NBA’s list of most-viewed players on social media thus far this season: pic.twitter.com/E3QSiX8rXI
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) December 23, 2025
“Saying it’s a rivalry would be a weird thing, it’s something that builds naturally”
On the ‘rivalry’, Wemby said after the game that “it feels like saying it’s a rivalry would be a weird thing because it’s something that builds naturally. I didn’t say that it’s impossible that it can be [a rivalry] in the future. I hope it will be soon. But we’re definitely getting closer. They’re going to be locked in [on Christmas] more than any time before, probably. It’s a resourceful team, but we’re going to be there too.”
“The signs are the arena is packed, the energy is different, the physicality from the first to the 48th minutes is up there,” Wembanyama added. “It’s hard to describe, but it’s like [in soccer] when PSG plays Marseille in France. This is a real rivalry. It’s something that’s built [over] years and years. It’s not something you can just make up like this. It doesn’t take away that it’s a good matchup. But it takes a lot.”
“When you’re learning about yourself or your team, to be able to be in situations and opportunities against the best ... they are the champs, and they have the best record in the league,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said. “So, to be able to have that opportunity to continue to compete and fight against the best, it’s a heck of an opportunity. You’d better be ready to go.”
There have been all-time greats in NBA history.
— SpursRΞPORTΞR (@SpursReporter) December 24, 2025
Legends. Icons.
But none of them have ever done what Victor Wembanyama did tonight in San Antonio. 👽 pic.twitter.com/9JJQuWfNUe
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