Fox Draws Flagrant Foul as Thunder and Spurs Clash

A physical confrontation between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder escalated during their season opener when Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox threw Thunder center Chet Holmgren to the floor during the second quarter. The incident prompted players from both teams to intervene, resulting in multiple technical fouls and a flagrant foul against Fox.

According to the incident details reported by The New York Times, Thunder players Jalen Williams and Jaylin Williams immediately confronted Fox after the play. The exchange developed into a broader scuffle featuring pushing, shoving, and attempted swipes among players from both teams.

Spurs center Victor Wembanyama also became involved, with his jersey pulled during the confrontation. Officials ultimately assessed Fox a flagrant foul for bringing Holmgren down, while Wembanyama, Jalen Williams, Jaylin Williams, and Kenrich Williams each received technical fouls. Both teams were awarded technical free throws.

The incident marked the 13th meeting between the franchises since the start of the previous season, according to the report. Their latest encounter added another heated chapter to a rivalry that has intensified through repeated high-stakes matchups.

The teams have each reached the NBA Finals within the past two seasons. Their previous meeting came during a seven-game Western Conference finals series, in which San Antonio defeated Oklahoma City in Game 7 to advance to the NBA Finals.

That playoff series also deepened the rivalry between Wembanyama and Holmgren, whose competitive history dates to their teenage years. The two centers previously faced each other in youth FIBA international tournaments.

Wembanyama has also criticized the Thunder's style of play, particularly what he views as their tendency to seek foul calls. Following San Antonio's victory over Oklahoma City in the 2025 NBA Cup semifinals, the Spurs star praised the quality of his team's approach.

Wembanyama described the team's progress as part of a positive development in basketball after that semifinal victory.

“I’m just glad to be a part of something that’s growing to be so beautiful,” said Wembanyama, the eventual Defensive Player of the Year last season. “So pure and ethical basketball.”

The comments reflected Wembanyama's support for what he considers a disciplined style of play, while his public disdain for Oklahoma City's approach has added another dimension to the rivalry.

According to the report, the Spurs and Thunder are not scheduled to meet again until Wednesday, February 11, 2027, unless they face each other in the NBA Cup before then.