The San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder rivalry continues.
The two teams are facing off on opening night of the 2026-27 NBA season in San Antonio with Victor Wembanyama and company seeking to rebound after losing the NBA Finals to the New York Knicks.
The Thunder are up 65-44 at the half as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is finding his stride and Wembanyama is struggling on the floor, yet reminding fans why he was last year's Defensive Player of the Year.
The Spurs ousted the Thunder in the Western Conference Finals in a seven-game battle royale last season. Oklahoma City was riding high off Gilgeous-Alexander's second MVP season and their own NBA championship in 2025.
Both Wembanyama and Gilgeous-Alexander are early favorites for this season's
MVP as their young teams play hungry for more glory. In USA TODAY's preseason ranking of the top 100 players in the league, 22-year-old Wembanyama is No. 3 and Gilgeous-Alexander, 28, is No. 1.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stats in NBA season opener
Through two quarters, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is leading his team with 16 points, one rebound, four assists and two blocks.
Victor Wembanyama stats in NBA season opener
Victor Wembanyama has eight points, six rebounds at two assists at halftime. He is 0-of-7 from the floor, but shining on defense with three blocks.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who has the edge? MVP candidates Victor Wembanyama, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander face off
