The San Antonio Spurs have been one of the worst teams in the league this year. They’re coming off a hard-fought loss to the Milwaukee Bucks that spurred some positivity, but they still sit at 5-19 on the season, which puts them in dead last in the Western Conference standings.
Oklahoma City Thunder big man Chet Holmgren took home the Rookie of the Month award for the month of December. He’s been putting up impressive numbers on one of the best teams in the NBA, so it’s hard to argue against his case. But Victor Wembanyama’s play should have him in the conversation for that award every month.
When asked if Holmgren getting the award motivated him to play well against the Bucks, Wembanyama said yes.
“Of course [it fueled me]. I’m dedicated. At the end of the day, I’m going to get what I deserve. Every game is a statement now on,” Wembanyama said via Hector Ledesma of ClutchPoints.
Asked Victor if not winning Western Conf Rookie of the Month (Chet Holmgren) & ranking 7th among West front court players in All-Star voting fueled his performance tonight…
“Of course…
At the end of the day, I’m going to get what I deserve…
Every game is a statement now on”⬇️ pic.twitter.com/h9OglmPx7h— Hector Ledesma (@HectorLedesmaTV) January 5, 2024
Wembanyama put up some great numbers against the Bucks, finishing with 27 points, nine rebounds, one assist, one steal, and five blocks, including a clutch late-game block on Giannis Antetokounmpo at the rim.
That said, Holmgren has been on fire for the Thunder as of late. In the month of December, he averaged 17.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 3.5 blocks while shooting 55.1% from the field and 38.5% from behind the three-point line. Oklahoma City went 10-3 with him in the lineup.
As these two big men move forward in their respective careers, expect their names to be brought up together many more times.
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