Absolutely shocked at how things played out, Victor Wembanyama never reciprocated Chet Holmgren's Hulk-esque anger. For the first time in a while, the Oklahoma City Thunder got the absolute best of the San Antonio Spurs in a 116-104 win on Opening Night.
From the tipoff, Holmgren had it out for Wembanyama. He was glued to his lanky side on every possession. He rejected every chance to get a switch. Instead, last year's DPOY runner-up locked down the unanimous winner. To the tune of 12 points on an ugly 1-of-13 shooting.
It was quite the awakening for most of the NBA world. After last year's epic seven-game duel, most figured San Antonio had OKC's number. But this Opening Night win was the start of the Thunder erasing that national narrative and writing their own in favor of themselves.
Afterward, Wembanyama broke down what he did wrong against the team he sent home last year. The MVP candidate believes he must return to his dominant playing style. You can't keep relying on pull-up jumpers if you're 7-foot-4.
"I feel like it's obvious for me. I need to go back to playing the basketball I like. This is not the sport I like right here," Wembanyama said. "I got no reason to be hesitant, no reason to not be myself. For me, it's as simple as that. I'm good when I have fun."
Interesting to hear Wembanyama utter that sentiment. It's the first time in a minute that the Thunder bullied him out of his comfort zone. Usually, the Spurs have successfully spammed pick-and-roll lobs to their best player. But that option was completely sidelined.
That's something to watch for in future matchups. Did the Thunder crack the code at putting Holmgren on Wembanyama? Or will the Spurs make the proper adjustments? Don't expect another one-made field goal night from him. But perhaps OKC can force him into uncomfortable spots with its physically-branded defense.
It worked for one random October night, at least.
Victor Wembanyama on what went wrong in loss to Thunder: “I feel like it's obvious for me. I need to go back to playing the basketball I like. This is not the sport I like right here. I got no reason to be hesitant, no reason to not be myself. For me, it's as simple as that. I'm… pic.twitter.com/AF3sTRaWDF
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) October 21, 2026
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Victor Wembanyama hopes to rediscover 'fun' after Thunder shut him down Opening Night