PARIS — In a thrilling display of talent, Victor Wembanyama scored 30 points during his inaugural NBA game in France, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a resounding 140-110 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Thursday evening.
Wembanyama also contributed significantly with 11 rebounds, six assists, and five blocks. Devin Vassell supported the effort with 25 points, while Harrison Barnes chipped in 20 for the Spurs, who have now secured their second win in the last eight games.
A notable aspect of the match was San Antonio’s dominant performance on the boards, where they out-rebounded Indiana 57-31.
For the Pacers, Bennedict Mathurin was the standout player, scoring 24 points. Other contributors included Pascal Siakam with 18 points, Myles Turner with 14, and both Tyrese Haliburton and Obi Toppin finishing with 13 points each. Indiana had been in good form, winning eight of their previous nine games prior to this encounter.
In terms of key developments, the Spurs welcomed back Jeremy Sochan, who had previously missed 19 of the last 34 games due to injuries, including the last five. Upon his return, Sochan made a notable impact, recording 13 points and nine rebounds in just 18 minutes of play, converting six of his nine shot attempts.
On the other hand, the Pacers, known for their defensive prowess, struggled defensively during the game, allowing the Spurs to shoot 60% from the floor. Indiana’s record now stands at 2-7 this season when opponents exceed a shooting percentage of 52%.
A pivotal moment occurred during the final 2:25 of the third quarter, showcasing Wembanyama’s exceptional skills. He amassed four points, three rebounds, three blocked shots, and two assists in that short span. After a tip-in that left just one-tenth of a second on the clock, the Spurs entered the fourth quarter with a commanding 105-80 lead.
Statistically, this game marked the fourth time that Wembanyama has finished with at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and five blocks. Only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (24 games), Hakeem Olajuwon (14), and both David Robinson and Shaquille O’Neal (11 each) have recorded more such performances in the last half-century of regular-season play.
Looking ahead, the Spurs and Pacers are set to clash once more in Paris on Saturday.
Wembanyama also contributed significantly with 11 rebounds, six assists, and five blocks. Devin Vassell supported the effort with 25 points, while Harrison Barnes chipped in 20 for the Spurs, who have now secured their second win in the last eight games.
A notable aspect of the match was San Antonio’s dominant performance on the boards, where they out-rebounded Indiana 57-31.
For the Pacers, Bennedict Mathurin was the standout player, scoring 24 points. Other contributors included Pascal Siakam with 18 points, Myles Turner with 14, and both Tyrese Haliburton and Obi Toppin finishing with 13 points each. Indiana had been in good form, winning eight of their previous nine games prior to this encounter.
In terms of key developments, the Spurs welcomed back Jeremy Sochan, who had previously missed 19 of the last 34 games due to injuries, including the last five. Upon his return, Sochan made a notable impact, recording 13 points and nine rebounds in just 18 minutes of play, converting six of his nine shot attempts.
On the other hand, the Pacers, known for their defensive prowess, struggled defensively during the game, allowing the Spurs to shoot 60% from the floor. Indiana’s record now stands at 2-7 this season when opponents exceed a shooting percentage of 52%.
A pivotal moment occurred during the final 2:25 of the third quarter, showcasing Wembanyama’s exceptional skills. He amassed four points, three rebounds, three blocked shots, and two assists in that short span. After a tip-in that left just one-tenth of a second on the clock, the Spurs entered the fourth quarter with a commanding 105-80 lead.
Statistically, this game marked the fourth time that Wembanyama has finished with at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and five blocks. Only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (24 games), Hakeem Olajuwon (14), and both David Robinson and Shaquille O’Neal (11 each) have recorded more such performances in the last half-century of regular-season play.
Looking ahead, the Spurs and Pacers are set to clash once more in Paris on Saturday.
