That competitive edge was displayed by Victor in the Surs’ recent semi-final clash against OKC in the 2025 NBA Cup. He scored 22 points in 21 minutes to end the Thunder’s (franchise-best) 16-game winning streak and finish with a plus/minus rating of +21, while Holmgren finished with just 17 points in 31 minutes.

Victor Wembanyama shut down a reporter's wild New York Knicks scoring claim, then earned his chance to face New York in the NBA Cup final.

Victor Wembanyama says trash talk fuels his game after returning from injury, leading Spurs past Thunder into NBA Cup final with 22 points.

Wembanyama is gradually expected to ramp up to his season average of just under 34 minutes per game. Even if the All-Star big man is unlikely to reach that figure against the Knicks, the 20-plus minutes he is expected to play should be highly impactful.

Why Victor Wembanyama's 1-sided beef with Chet Holmgren is good for NBA.