Led by a great Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs defeated Indiana on Thursday at the Accor Arena. End of a series of three defeats in a row for San Antonio, in demonstration.
The NBA in Paris has been a lot of images, marketing and big money since Monday. Sports business in all its splendor. But in sport-business, there is sport. First of two matches between San Antonio and Indiana, Thursday, in a packed Accor Arena (15,935 spectators). With one goal in mind: to see Victor Wembanyama in real life, with the Spurs, where he made Team USA tremble with the Blues last summer, in the final of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.He is a special player, popular in France but also around the world», savors the big boss of the North American league, Adam Silver. Global icon. But a child of France. In conquered territory.
Bercy only had eyes for the native of Chesnay, destined to become one of the best players in the world, or even the best, who knows. Undisputed winner in the applause meter during the team presentation. “Are there any Spurs fans here? It's an immense joy to play here in Paris, I want it to happen more often, and I want you to make noise to show them that we can come back. And for my part, I promise to do my best to provide spectacle and pleasure», indicated the 21-year-old giant (2.24m), before kick-off, on the floor.
He tried to keep his promise, and the Spurs won by a wide margin against Indiana (140-110). Which Spurs remained on six defeats in seven games, including an ignoble debacle in Miami on Sunday. Two rooms, two atmospheres. The air of Paris succeeds to the Texans. And to Wembanyama, who filled the statistics line and feasted the eyes: 30 points (13/21), 11 rebounds, 6 assists and no less than 5 blocks in 32 minutes. Two other of his teammates at 20 points or more, Devin Vassell (25) and Harrison Barnes (20). 24 points for Bennedict Mathurin for the Pacers.
-Stars in chaos in the stands
On the show side, no (bad) surprises, the NBA knows how to do it. Animations, cam, mascots… The usual package. And the stars in the stands, former NBA players (Parker, Diaw, Ginobili, Gasol, etc.) or not (Sy, Civil, PSG players, etc.). In terms of play, a balanced, rhythmic, offensive match in the first quarter, with multiple changes of leader in the score, Toppin boosted to three points and “Wemby” already present, with 7 points (30-29 end of 1st QT). And again in the second, aggressive near the circle and skillful from afar. Indiana was nevertheless in the lead (30-35) before ceding the reins (47-43) in an Accor Arena won over to the cause of San Antonio. Turner tried to invite Wembanyama on his poster, to no avail. Which Wembanyama did not force, despite the eyes focused on him, like this offering for Sochan. San Antonio in front at the break, after a basket at the buzzer from Vassell (60-57 MT). 15 points for “Wemby”.
Spurs' hot shot at the restart, Wemanyama impacting on both sides of the field (80-67). And even without him, the Texans dominated the debates (90-71). Nothing was coming for the Pacers, soon at -20 (94-74). Wembanyama delighted the crowds with counters and caviars, notably on this “alley-oop” for Sochan. A loan for a return: Sochan for the French dunk (101-78). One last one for the road, at the buzzer marking the end of the third quarter (105-80). Demonstration of the French phenomenon and its team on the stages of Bercy.
Enough to relax a little, with astonishing ball losses (107-87). It wasn't going to last. And the native of Chesnay continued to delight, with this dunk after bouncing the ball on the board. Easy. For the rest, nothing could happen to Spurs (140-110 final score). Wembanyama finally left with 5'37 to go. Place Sidy Cissoko, the other Frenchman from “SA”, for “garbage time”. Revenge Saturday (6 p.m.), same room.
