PARIS — Victor Wembanyama’s recent visit to Paris delivered a remarkable experience, highlighted by two games during which he amassed 50 points, 23 rebounds, eight assists, and six blocks. His time in the city also included the dedication of two basketball courts, a visit to the Eiffel Tower, a presence at Fashion Week, attendance at a Champions League soccer match, and an impressive number of high-fives, approximately a million. Despite his efforts, the result of his return to Paris was not ideal, with his team suffering a loss.
“This week was amazing,” Wembanyama expressed, reflecting on the emotional trip. He was able to reconnect with family, saying, “I’m not trying to get emotional, but everybody did their job to make this week incredible.” The outcome of Saturday’s game saw the Indiana Pacers claim victory over the San Antonio Spurs, with a final score of 136 to 98. Tyrese Haliburton led the way for the Pacers with 28 points. However, Wembanyama found some enjoyment in the passionate response of French fans to their national anthem, particularly noting an improvement in their volume compared to the previous game.
Wembanyama’s arrival in Paris occurred on a Monday, and he quickly organized a dinner and shopping excursion for his team. The following day, he visited his hometown of Le Chesnay to inaugurate outdoor basketball courts, an event that was followed by his appearance at Paris Fashion Week. Wednesday included attending a soccer match featuring Paris Saint-Germain against Manchester City. His busy schedule saw him play one game on Thursday, take a trip to the Eiffel Tower on Friday, and then play another game on Saturday before heading back to San Antonio.
“As a young player, I can’t imagine how meaningful it was for Vic to return home and compete,” remarked Spurs guard Chris Paul. He acknowledged the intense expectations associated with Wembanyama’s homecoming—from media attention to personal commitments. Notably, Wembanyama’s dedication to his fans shone through as he made efforts to sign autographs for supporters.
Wembanyama showcased his talent in the first game on Thursday, scoring 30 points along with 11 rebounds during a decisive 30-point victory for the Spurs. In contrast, the Pacers came prepared for the second matchup on Saturday, with Indiana coach Rick Carlisle noting that the team did well in limiting Wembanyama’s impact. They managed to disrupt his rhythm effectively, which impressed Carlisle, especially when he noted Wembanyama’s ability to finish with 20 points and 12 rebounds despite the aggressive defense.
The Spurs showed resilience, coming back from a 15-point deficit at halftime to briefly take the lead in the third quarter. Unfortunately, their efforts fell short as the Pacers pulled away to secure the win. “At some point, he’ll look back on this and realize what a treat it was,” Paul acknowledged, wishing his team could have won both games for Wembanyama.
Looking ahead, the timeline for Wembanyama’s next game in France remains uncertain. He expressed a strong desire to play in Paris every year, and while it seems probable that the NBA may arrange for the Spurs to return, establishing a consistent annual visit might be challenging. Understanding this reality, Wembanyama embraced each moment of his trip, emphasizing, “I did my best to make this week special for my team, for my family, my friends. People still found ways to surprise me, and to make things feel like they mattered for them, and I matter for them. So, it’s priceless.”
