The Spurs vs Rockets rivalry has been reignited. Fans are defending their teams and players are watching in the periphery.
It started with the fist pump heard across I-10 and seen worldwide. As NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum read off the draft order for the top four for the 2023 NBA draft Victor Wembanyama seemed to be visibly pleased that the Houston Rockets did not receive the number one pick.
@basketballcoverage I don’t think Wemby wanted Houston😭 #victorwembanyama #rockets #nba #fyp
♬ original sound – Basketball Coverage
As Tatum read off the remaining picks Rockets fans became irate as it became apparent the Spurs would get the number one pick. As Spurs fans rejoiced Rockets fans screamed in anger and agony.
@mikeacquiredtaste Spurs win the 2023 NBA Lottery!!! Welcome to San Antonio Wemby!!! #victorwembanyama #NBA #nbadraftlottery2023 #NBADraft
♬ original sound – MikeJimenez
What a difference 200 miles makes.
@nightmarediaz5 Nothing makes me more happy then Houston fans upset! #sanantonio #spurs #wembanyama #nba #lotto #gospursgo #wecoming #legacy #nbayoungboy #nbafunnymoments
♬ original sound – Noe Diaz Jr
Twitter Spaces Are The Battlefields
Recently, both fan bases have had a war of words and memes on Twitter. Wembanyama liked a video of Rockets fans saying the Rockets and Amen Thompson are coming for him. Jeremy Sochan has been in a recent Twitter space where Rockets Fans were talking trash about him.
Spurs vs Rockets has been a rivalry going back to the 90s. In 1995 David Robinson was the MVP but Hakeem Olajuwon led the Rockets to defeat the Spurs 4-2 in the playoffs. Olajuwon even embarrassed Robinson on the day he was presented with the MVP trophy by outshining Robinson on the court.
@oldskoolbball Hakeem Olajuwon was super mad to see David Robinson holding MVP trophy in front of him and did this same night. “I’m going to his house and get my MVP.”
♬ original sound – oldskoolbball
Spurs fans will remember Manu Ginobili’s block of James Harden’s shot in the 2017 playoffs as the last time the city of San Antonio had a reason to collectively celebrate until winning the draft lottery in May.
@iconicmoment23 Manu Ginobili Blocks Harden🔥 #manuginobili #ginobili #spurs #block #jamesharden #moment #nba #basketball
♬ original sound – Iconic•Moment✨ – 𝙸𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚒𝚌𝙼𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 📸
The Future Of The Rivalry
Rockets fans promise the rivalry will continue with Wembanyama and Jabari Smith Jr. I personally believe Wembanyama will consistently get the better of Smith. However. I think it’s great that the rivalry between the teams is back.
The NBA has instated an in-season tournament to bring more interest to regular-season games. But I think old-fashioned rivalries do more to garner interest in regular season games And if the Spurs and Rockets meet again in the playoffs each arena will be jumping.
Some of the players are aware of the public discourse. They’ll know that the games have more meaning for the fans. Hopefully, we’re in store for some historic performances.
Make sure you follow Project Spurs on Twitter and Subscribe to our YouTube channel for Spurs coverage of the offseason and Summer League. Who do you think will score more points the first time the Spurs and Rockets faceoff next season Victor Wembanyama or Jabari Smith Jr? Comment your take below.
