Bourcy darling for his return to France six months after the Olympic Games, Victor Wembanyama led San Antonio (140-110) with success on Thursday, January 23, during the first of the two NBA games opposing the pacers this week in the capital.
“Are there not spurs fans here?” It is an immense pleasure to be able to come to Paris ”launched at the microphone «Wemby» A few minutes before the meeting.
At the sight of the numerous jerseys in the colors of San Antonio, often flocked from n ° 1 inside 21 years, the Frenchman already had his answer. Listening to the enthusiasm caused by his appearance on the screen at the announcement of the teams, no doubt either that many were there for him.
They did well. Returning six months after the silver medal gleaned from the games with the Blues, Victor Wembanyama made a full match, for the first of the two acts against the Pacers, before the second Saturday (6:00 p.m.).
“It’s perfect as a evening, because there is victory and the way”said the main interested party, who classifies this meeting “In one of the matches that are most important to me and in terms of pure performance, in the top 5”.
Under the eyes of basketball stars
Because the native of Chesnay, in the Yvelines, offered himself neither more nor less than a double-double (30 points, 11 rebounds, with six passes and five against) in a Bercy full to crack (15,935 spectators), With basketball stars (Tony Parker, Joakim Noah, David Robinson…) and other faces of sport (Ousmane Dembélé, Achraf Hakimi, Esteban Ocon, Florent Manaudou).
A first basket registered after four minutes of play, an award-winning basket sequence, Dunk (equivalent of a smash) and assist for Devin Vassell, Wembanyama already caused admiration and celebrations, while he was out of the break (60-57 for San Antonio) with already 15 points (five rebounds, three passes).
-L’« Alien » – Nickname given by LeBron James – was far from having shown everything. He chained three counters in an exceptional sequence, two passes, a dunk … and a buzzer tap to finish. What cause an even more important ovation when the spurs took off in the third quarter.
« MVP ! MVP ! » began to sing the public, visibly delighted, when it was released.
The day almost was perfect when the Frenchman passed very close to winning a place of holder for a first All-Star Game in February. But, preceded by Kevin Durant, Wembanyama will have to wait until next week to find out if he is part of the replacements.
“I said to “Vic” that it was one of the most complete matches that I saw him play, Chris Paul admitted, With expectations, being at home, in front of family and friends, some could have lost their game and make too much, but he played a big match on both sides “was delighted the 39 -year -old leader.
“I don’t know what Victor said before the match but it worked well anyway”also admitted the coach of the Pacers Rick Carlisle after the meeting, “France must be proud of him, he achieves breathtaking things”.
