Chouchou de Bercy for his return to France six months after the Olympic Games, Victor Wembanyama brilliantly led San Antonio (140-110) to success during the first of the two NBA meetings opposing the Pacers this week in the capital.
“There are no spurs fans here? It’s an immense pleasure to be able to come to Paris“, Launched at the microphone” Weby “a few minutes before the meeting.
At the sight of the numerous jerseys in the colors of San Antonio, often flocked from the N.1 of the interior of 21, the French 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 the 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“.
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), garnished 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, dunk 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 assists).
The “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!“Besides, 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 told “VI”+ that it was one of the most complete matches that I saw him play, admitted Chris Paul, with expectations, being at home, in front of the family And friends, some could have lost their game and do too much, but he played a big match on both sides“Rejoiced the 39 -year -old leader.
“Breathtaking”
“I don’t know what Victor said before the match but it worked well in any case“, also admitted the coach of the Pacers Rick Carlisle after the meeting,”France must be proud of him, he achieves breathtaking things“.
“Wemby arrive!“We read in a video posted by the NBA a few hours before the meeting, showing the main interested party, sunglasses on the eyes.
At sunglasses, many had rather favored the hoods and the umbrellas around the Arena de Bercy, bathed by the rain shortly before the opening of the doors.
“I think he’s going to do great things, and I hope he’s going to make a good game especially“, Wished for Alexandre Hoareau, a 21 -year -old student and a fan of the Spurs” already since the Tony Parker era, but there with Wemby even more! “
Released from a bar terrace a few meters from the room, and surrounded by friends dressed in sweatshirt and jersey in the colors of San Antonio, Benjamin, 23, had chosen the Pacers.
“Indiana is more solid on paper, San Antonio, it is the beginning of a building “and” Wembanyama is strong, but it is only its second year“, He admitted still cautious.
However, “If he puts 45 points“As one of his friends had bet,” so I will surely go back on foot “. No need to put as much so that” Wemby “puts Paris at his feet.
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