NBA Paris Games – Spurs – Pacers – “France must be proud to have it”: Victor Wembanyama, a “kiff” and promises

“I don't know what he said at the start of the match. But whatever, it worked. He's so special. France must be proud to have it“. Rick Carlisle, the Indiana coach, can only bow before the phenomenal talent of Victor Wembanyama. This Thursday in Bercy, the tricolor UFO led with San Antonio smacas (140-110) towards success during The first of the two NBA meetings opposing the Pacers this week in the capital.

However, there was singular pressure. For his return to France six months after the Olympic Games, Wemby knew he was expected. “”The circumstances of this match were different. It was very moving for Victor. There are certain matches where you don't need to motivate guys. It was one of them “recognized his coach Mitch Johnson. But as often, the former Nanterre prodigy did not disappoint. Better than that, he delighted to finish with 30 points, 11 rebounds but also six passes and five counters in a Bercy full to crack (15,935 spectators). And he broke out.

“Yes, I liked it. It's perfect because there is the victory and the wayhe recognized at the end of the game. Tonight was clearly different. It was an easy evening to use the circumstances to our advantage“And while he was”excited“According to Harrison Barnes before the meeting and he took matters into their own hands to ambience his partners while going from Booba to the locker room, the tricolor giant has been able to stay focused. And ignor the context.”To stay in my bubble, I focused on the instructions of the coach and the little things. I have not tried to do incredible things, the spectacular will come from himself“And he came.

Again, the number 1 of the Draft 2023 and Rookie of the last NBA season has thus found a way to bluff its world. His opponents already. “”He was sensational“, still slipped Rick Carlisle, whose team has missed defense.”He is really special. It is not easy to manage to stop it“, Had Bennedict Mathurin, one of the few Pacers players to stand out this Thursday evening.”He's so talentedhe completed his cooperative Pascal Siakam. There are no limits for him. What he does at his age is exceptional. Everything will depend on him for avenuer”.

Even within his team, Wembanyama made an impression. “”After the match, I told him he was one of the most complete matches he had this season. Despite the expectations, to play at home in front of his audience, he knew how to release a big match and dominate on both sides of the prosecution“Applauded Chris Paul, the all -star leader of the Spurs. “For a unique player like him, it is spectacular how much he masters the fundamentals. Some of his passages are frightening“Added the Spurs coach, Mitch Johnson, always impressed by the capacities of his protégé even if he meets him on a daily basis. All of them promise him a golden future.”That he stays himself“, Concludes Chris Paul when asked what to do to join the older ones. And that on Saturday, where he will still be the main attraction in Bercy. But that's not what will upset him.