​OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – MAY 05: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts during the second quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Paycom Center on May 05, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images) GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – MAY 30: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs dunks the ball against Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Seven of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center on May 30, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) GettyOklahoma City Thunder star Chet Holmgren isn’t interested in feeding the growing rivalry between himself and San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama. However, his latest comments might have accomplished exactly that.During an exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, Holmgren was asked directly whether Wembanyama had made their rivalry personal. His response was just five words, but it left plenty of room for interpretation.“That’s a question for him,” Holmgren told Mannix.It was a fascinating response from a player who has spent much of his young career being compared to Wembanyama. More importantly, it came just before the Thunder and Spurs prepare to meet again following their memorable Western Conference finals showdown.Chet Holmgren Gives Telling Response About Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama RivalryMannix’s interview explored Holmgren’s offseason development and what he learned from Oklahoma City’s playoff elimination against San Antonio.Holmgren acknowledged that the series provided valuable lessons, but emphasized those takeaways extend beyond one opponent.“The takeaways from that are tangible against the other 28 teams, too,” Holmgren explained.When Mannix asked whether he particularly enjoyed competing against Wembanyama, Holmgren offered another straightforward answer.“I relish every game,” Holmgren said.There is something interesting about Holmgren’s refusal to elevate one matchup above the others. Wembanyama has become one of basketball’s biggest attractions, and the comparisons between the two talented big men have been unavoidable. Yet Holmgren appears determined to approach the rivalry differently.Rather than publicly embracing a personal competition, he continues emphasizing the Thunder’s larger objectives. That’s an awesome way of leading compared to what his competitor has done.That doesn’t mean the matchup lacks significance. It simply suggests Holmgr