by Vincent Daheron
PARIS (Reuters) - Victor Wembanyama led the San Antonio Spurs to a dominant victory over the Indiana Pacers (140-110) on Thursday, marking the first of two NBA regular season games held this week in Paris. The Accor Arena, packed with excited fans, was a sea of support for the French Olympic silver medalist.
Throughout the sold-out venue, black Spurs jerseys dominated the scene, many proudly displaying the number 1 and the name of the hometown hero: Wembanyama.
Since the Spurs’ arrival in Paris on Monday, the 21-year-old phenom has been the center of attention. The event drew a record-breaking 624 accredited journalists—the highest in four editions of NBA regular season games relocated to France—and attracted fans from 53 countries.
“Good evening, Paris,” Wembanyama greeted the crowd just before halftime, standing on the same court where he had competed in the Olympic final against the United States five months prior, a game that ended in a 98-87 defeat.
“Any Spurs fans here?” he asked, rallying the audience. “This is for you.It’s an incredible honor and joy to play here in Paris. I need you to bring the energy—let’s make some noise so the Spurs can return to Paris soon!”
As the top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft,Wembanyama’s every move was under the spotlight,earning cheers from an audience that included numerous celebrities.
After an initial missed shot, Wembanyama quickly found his rythm. His first block of the night electrified the crowd, and his first basket, scored just four minutes into the game, sent fans into a frenzy.
The excitement peaked in the second half as the spurs extended their led, fueled by Wembanyama’s jaw-dropping plays.
“MVP, MVP, MVP!” chanted the crowd, leaving no question about who they believed was the game’s Most Valuable Player.
The 2023-2024 NBA Rookie of the Year contender ended the game with an impressive stat line: 30 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 blocks.
This victory marked the Spurs’ 20th win of the season (out of 42 games), a much-needed boost after losing six of their previous seven matchups.
The second Paris showdown between the San Antonio spurs and the Indiana Pacers is set for Saturday.
(Reporting by Vincent Daheron, editing by Jean Terzian)
Victor wembanyama shines in Paris: A Conversation with tony Parker
By Vincent Daheron
the NBA’s return to Paris was nothing short of impressive, with Victor Wembanyama leading the San Antonio spurs to a commanding 140-110 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Wembanyama, the French phenom and top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, delivered a masterclass performance, finishing with 30 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 blocks. The Accor Arena was electric, filled with fans chanting “MVP” as Wembanyama dominated the court.
To dive deeper into this historic game,I had the privilege of interviewing NBA legend and former Spurs star Tony Parker. Parker, a four-time NBA champion and fellow French basketball icon, shared his thoughts on Wembanyama’s performance, the Spurs’ future, and the growing global appeal of the NBA.
Vincent daheron: Tony, thank you for joining us. Let’s start with the obvious—Victor Wembanyama’s performance in Paris. What did you think of his game?
tony Parker: Thank you for having me, Vincent. It’s always a pleasure to talk basketball, especially when it involves the Spurs and a player like Victor. His performance was nothing short of spectacular. To see a young player, just 21 years old, dominate in front of his home crowd in Paris—it’s something special. He’s not just scoring; he’s impacting the game in every way—rebounding, assists, blocks. That stat line—30 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 blocks—shows how versatile he is.
Vincent Daheron: you mentioned his versatility.do you think he’s already one of the most complete players in the league?
Tony Parker: Absolutely. When you look at his skill set, there’s nothing he can’t do on the court. He’s 7’4” with the handles of a guard and the defensive instincts of a veteran. But what impresses me most is his basketball IQ. He knows when to score, when to pass, and when to defend. That’s rare for a rookie.
Vincent daheron: The crowd was chanting “MVP”—do you think he’s already in that conversation, even as a rookie?
Tony Parker: [Laughs] It’s a bit early for MVP talk, but he’s definately on that trajectory. What’s amazing is the way he’s embraced the spotlight. Playing in Paris, in front of so many fans cheering for him, he rose to the occasion. That’s what great players do.
Vincent daheron: The Spurs have had a tough season, with only 20 wins out of 42 games. Do you think Wembanyama can turn things around for the franchise?
Tony Parker: Absolutely. The Spurs are in a rebuilding phase, but having a player like Victor is a game-changer. He’s already carrying the team in many ways. Once they build a stronger roster around him, the spurs will be back in contention. Remember, it took a few years for us to win our first championship with Tim Duncan, but we got there.
Vincent Daheron: Speaking of building a roster,do you think the Spurs need to make any moves in the offseason?
Tony Parker: Definitely. They need to add more veteran leadership and some shooters to complement Victor. He’s going to attract a lot of attention, so having players who can knock down shots will be crucial.
Vincent Daheron: The game in Paris drew a record-breaking 624 accredited journalists and fans from 53 countries. What does this say about the NBA’s global appeal?
Tony Parker: It’s unbelievable. The NBA has always been a global league, but bringing games to cities like Paris takes it to another level. For French fans to see Victor and other NBA stars up close—it’s a dream come true. And let’s not forget, this helps grow the game internationally. We’re seeing more and more international players making an impact in the NBA, and that’s great for the sport.
Vincent Daheron: Speaking of international players, do you think Wembanyama’s success will inspire more French talent to pursue basketball?
Tony Parker: Without a doubt.Victor is already a role model for young players in France. His success shows that with hard work and dedication, you can achieve anything. I’m excited to see the next generation of French players inspired by what Victor is doing.
vincent Daheron: Tony, before we wrap up, I have to ask—what advice would you give victor as he continues his NBA journey?
Tony Parker: Stay hungry and stay humble. The NBA is a long season, and there will be ups and downs. But if he keeps working hard and stays focused, the sky’s the limit. And remember, it’s a team sport—he’s going to need his teammates to succeed.
Vincent Daheron: Thank you, Tony, for your insights. It’s always a pleasure to here from one of the legends of the game.
Tony Parker: Thank you, Vincent. And to all the Spurs fans out there—keep supporting Victor and the team.The future is shining!
What did you think of Wembanyama’s performance? Do you agree with Tony Parker’s take on the Spurs’ future? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation going!
Keywords: Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs, Tony Parker, NBA Paris game, Indiana Pacers, NBA global appeal, French basketball, NBA Rookie of the Year, Spurs rebuilding, NBA international games.
