NANTERRE, France — When the Indiana Pacers square off against the San Antonio Spurs in Paris on Thursday, they will officially be recognized as the home team. However, the Pacers are well aware that the atmosphere will not be in their favor.
“Honestly, it’s going to feel like a big crowd rooting against us,” stated Indiana guard Andrew Nembhard.
This sentiment holds true, especially with the presence of Victor Wembanyama, the towering 7-foot-4 rookie for San Antonio, who is expected to shine in this special week. The NBA Paris Games will feature two games between the Pacers and the Spurs this week in an event largely centered around Wembanyama, the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year and a strong contender for this season’s All-Star selection.
This week is being dubbed “Wemby Week” as the teams arrived in Paris on Monday, gearing up with practices and community events leading up to the games. The Spurs kicked off their Paris trip with a light workout at Nanterre’s gym, a significant venue where Wembanyama began his professional journey at just 15 years old.
“It felt surreal to have my teammates here in the place where I played so much,” Wembanyama expressed following the practice, where a small group of local youth, all representing him with Spurs jerseys, attended. “It’s like two worlds coming together. Everything is going smoothly; it’s truly a special experience with plenty of emotions involved.”
Although individual games have taken place in Paris in the last two seasons — featuring teams like the Bulls, Pistons, Nets, and Cavaliers — this year marks an expanded two-game venture, likely influenced by Wembanyama’s star power.
The interest in tickets for these games has been overwhelming, resulting in a quick sell-out within a day. Although some tickets remain bundled in various packages, including one for Thursday that offers a photo opportunity with the coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy, the price tag is steep at $730, excluding flight costs.
In a unique promotion, Wembanyama organized a treasure hunt for fans, scattering QR codes across five French cities — Paris, Lyon, Lille, Marseille, and Bordeaux — to give away tickets. “I couldn’t return to the capital without offering you a chance to see me play,” he shared on his social media platforms.
The Spurs have a well-established bond with France that predates Wembanyama’s arrival, thanks to former players like Tony Parker and Boris Diaw. The team’s connection to the country has been further solidified this week with events in association with Paris-Saint Germain, a globally recognized soccer club.
“We share a long history with France for many reasons, making this another chance to strengthen our relationship,” remarked Spurs interim coach Mitch Johnson. “It’s an exciting time for Vic, especially after his Olympic experience.”
Wembanyama recently helped the French national team reach the gold medal game at the Olympics, where they faced off against the U.S. He delivered an impressive performance, scoring 26 points, but ultimately fell short as the Americans clinched gold.
Asked how often he thought about returning to play in Paris, Wembanyama assuredly replied, “All the time.” Now, with the moment finally arriving, he faces a busy week ahead, balancing nostalgia and preparation.
While Wembanyama appreciates the chance to reconnect with old friends and his homeland during the week, he remains focused during game days. “I want to give back to the French public, especially for those who may never have the opportunity to visit the U.S. It means a lot to me,” he noted.
Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, a member of the U.S. Olympic team that won gold last summer, understands the significance of this week’s games and anticipates the atmosphere. “This game features a player like nobody we have ever seen before,” Haliburton reflected.
Following a game in Miami, where they faced a loss, the Spurs arrived in Paris for a few hours before settling in, while the Pacers planned to enjoy some sightseeing, including visiting the iconic Eiffel Tower.
“Just all the enjoyable experiences,” said Pacers center Myles Turner in a team video.
The excitement in Paris is palpable, and Wembanyama is poised to receive a celebratory welcome. Johnson commented on the uniqueness of playing back home, recognizing the opportunity for those who may never have seen an NBA game live before, making the event particularly special for both players and fans alike.
As the games draw nearer, the anticipation only grows, promising memorable moments for all involved.
