![Dec 13, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1), guard Devin Vassell (24) and ]center Luke Kornet (7) react as the final buzzer sounds during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images](https://media.zenfs.com/en/thunder_wire_usa_today_sports_articles_686/ebee264322c753774aad4116104f73f2)
Still hoping the NBA Cup catches on with fans, the league must be ecstatic with the reception to this year’s semifinal matchups.
The Oklahoma City Thunder were on the wrong side of a 111-109 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. The entire NBA world tuned in to the high-stakes matchup that went back and forth.
The reigning NBA champions are must-see TV. They’re chasing history as the whispers of a 70-win season have grown louder. Fans across the league have appointed them as the top villain.
Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama returned from a 12-game absence dealing with a calf strain. He made it back in time for the NBA Cup semifinals. It was a good experience for the Spurs as they will likely punch their ticket to the playoffs for the first time with their young group this year.
Coming off the bench in a limited role, Wembanyama brought the energy and confidence to serve the upset. He was a plus-21 in 21 minutes. In between that, he leaned into talking smack to the Thunder. Whether it was flexing at Cason Wallace or telling Alex Caruso he’s too small to guard him or taking subtle shots at Chet Holmgren.
So, does this mean the Thunder and Spurs rivalry is back? Those two NBA franchises dominated the 2010s as title contenders. They could repeat that history in the 2020s once San Antonio’s experience catches up to its young talent. Wembanyama is already a top-five player, which should help close the gap.
Preparing to face the New York Knicks in the 2025 NBA Cup finals, Wembanyama doesn’t feel the Spurs are close to being considered OKC’s peer. The Thunder are ahead of them in accolades and talent.
“I think we’re not quite there yet, but it’s a good sign that people see that it’s possible because it’s not like we’re the second seed right now. I don’t think anybody right now can claim to have a rivalry with them in the league,” Wembanyama said. “They’re in their own tier.”
While that’s a modest answer, I bet most Thunder and Spurs fans disagree. The former may have the better team, but the latter could put up a fight. And they could soon join them as a contender if players like Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper continue to take leaps.
The 2025 NBA Cup semifinals matchup was the first of three games between the Thunder and Spurs in a two-week window. The Thunder will travel to San Antonio for a game on Dec. 23 before OKC returns the favor on Christmas when the Spurs come to town.
It’ll be interesting to see how the Thunder respond after just their second loss. You can bet they circled that game on their calendar after their Las Vegas trip was cut short.
“But in the future if we can provide a stage this good and we reach that level, of course, it would be great to have a rivalry because if you’re at the top and you have a rivalry, it means you’re in the best position to win titles,” Wembanyama said. “I’m very interested by it.”
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Victor Wembanyama not yet ready to say Thunder-Spurs rivalry is back
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