The final tally for Victor Wembanyama’s trip in Paris: two games, 50 points, 23 rebounds, eight assists, six blocks, two courts dedicated, one trip to the Eiffel Tower, a Fashion Week appearance, a Champions League match attended and about a million high-fives.
It didn’t stop there. When he walked out to center court, took a microphone and said “bonjour” to the crowd pregame, another 30 seconds of cheering exploded inside the Accor Arena in Paris. The young French star returned home with his NBA team — for a two-game set between the Spurs and Pacers — and was greeted with a hero’s welcome.
Thursday's game was proof of concept. Wembanyama will soon be the NBA's signature star, and sending him to Paris for a few games every year is a chance to build one of these signature events around his growing fame and eagerness to please his hometown audience. His presence made all of the difference on Thursday.
Victor Wembanyama praised as "mature young man" for his ability to remain focused while juggling commitments for Spurs.
While Wembanyama was kept in relative check on Saturday, his thundrous performance on Thursday featured 30 points on 13-for-21 shooting, 11 rebounds, six assists, five blocks, and one steal. Safe to say, the fans got their money’s worth.
The NBA is set to announce this year’s All-Star Game reserves Thursday night. Here are The Post’s picks to round out the rosters next month in San Francisco.
The main events start Thursday when Wembanyama and the Spurs take on the Indiana Pacers in the first of two games in Paris. The rematch is Saturday, both happening at Accor Arena, the same building where Wembanyama played in the knockout round of the Paris Olympics last summer when he and France wound up losing to the U.S. in the gold-medal game.
The NBA Paris Games delivered an unforgettable clash between the Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs, with the Pacers securing a dominant 136-98 victory on Sat
PARIS — For all the glowing things said in Paris the past few days about San Antonio phenom Victor Wembanyama, Hall of Famer Tony Parker probably summed matters up more succinctly than anyone.
PARIS (AP) Victor Wembanyama scored 30 points in his first NBA game on his native French soil, Devin Vassell added 25 and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Indiana Pacers 140-110 on Thursday night. ...
San Antonio Spurs icon Tony Parker shared his thoughts on the NBA’s rising stars and revealed who he believes will soon emerge as the league's top player. Having enjoyed an illustrious career marked by multiple championships and accolades,