After long anticipation, the illustrious NBA Christmas schedule has finally arrived, and it has got Spurs fans excited. NBA Christmas is an opportunity for the very best in the game to show off their talents in front of a massive audience and features some of the most pristine matchups in the sport. This year is no different.
Thankfully, the [Spurs were granted a well-deserved nod](https://airalamo.com/spurs-land-nba-christmas-gift-wemby-fans-buzzing) into one of the five open time slots, and their matchup is fierce. Victor Wembanyama and his Spurs will be taking on the player people thought was better than the Frenchman.
Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder will get another crack at taking down his fellow unicorn. We all should know how this will end.
Victor Wembanyama owns the rivalry
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It shouldn't be a question of who runs the rivalry. Wembanyama has consistently [proven himself to be the better player](https://airalamo.com/chet-holmgren-playoffs-proving-wembanyama-rivalry-total-fantasy). Whether it be on offense or defense, it's all Wembanyama.
Last season, Wembanyama averaged 9.3 more points, three more rebounds, and 1.6 more blocks; it's a complete sweep. The alien has shown to be a more complete offensive player and has a much greater ceiling. The things Wembanyama can do with a basketball in his hands are one of a kind and cannot be matched by any single player.
Defensively, Wembanyama has outpaced Holmgren as well. While OKC's big man has proven to be an excellent defender, he doesn't come close to the otherworldly talents of Wembanyama. This landslide victory has been showcased through the Defensive Player of the Year award.
Yes, Wembanyama has yet to win one, but we all know what would have happened if he had stayed healthy. Next season will be no different.
The Spurs will give the Thunder a run for their money
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The Thunder will enter this game as the heavy betting favorite, as they are in every game. While the Thunder are an overwhelming force, the Spurs will not go down without a fight. Despite the Thunder's immense talent across the board, the Spurs will have plenty of weapons to throw at them.
Unique to this matchup, each squad has a deep bench of valiant role players. Both teams will be full steam ahead all game long and continue to throw haymakers until the clock hits zero. Wembanyama will be able to negate much of the Thunder's downhill interior attack, which is a staple of their game.
In terms of guarding the reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, it will be up to Stephon Castle to make his presence felt. It will be fascinating to watch how De'Aaron Fox responds to the extreme level of defense the Thunder have on the perimeter.
Regardless of how it ends, it will be one hell of a game. Don't count out the Spurs from taking home a victory; they will be out for blood. At the very least, Wembanyama can flex on his rival once more.