PARIS (AP) — The Accor Arena saw the San Antonio Spurs deliver an impressive performance against the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night, with Victor Wembanyama shining brightly under the Parisian lights. The 19-year-old made waves by scoring 30 points on his native soil, guiding his team to a dominant 140-110 victory.
Wembanyama's debut was memorable not just for the points he scored but also for his overall contribution to the game. He finished with 11 rebounds, six assists, and five blocks, showcasing his all-around talent. Devin Vassell supported him tremendously, adding 25 points. The Spurs' victory marked just their second win over the last eight games, making it all the more significant for the struggling franchise.
On the opposing side, the Pacers were led by Bennedict Mathurin, who scored 24 points. Pascal Siakam chipped in with 18 points, and Myles Turner, Tyrese Haliburton, and Obi Toppin each contributed 13 points. Despite their recent form—having won eight of their last nine games—Indiana fell short, struggling with defensive issues throughout the contest.
The game not only spotlighted Wembanyama but also served as a showcase of his spectacular potential. The final minutes of the third quarter were particularly impressive, with Wembanyama executing a series of plays—recording four points, three rebounds, three blocked shots, and two assists. His finale to the quarter, featuring a tip-in just before the buzzer, put the Spurs up by 25 points heading to the fourth.
Kerry Grays, the Spurs' assistant coach, expressed his enthusiasm for Wembanyama’s performance, remarking, "It's always special to play here, but Victor gave our fans and his fellow players something to cheer about on another level." The Spurs dominated the boards with an overwhelming 57-31 advantage, reflecting their physical play style and determination to secure the win.
Interestingly, San Antonio's Jeremy Sochan made his return after missing 19 out of the last 34 games due to injuries. He logged 13 points and nine rebounds during his 18 minutes on the court. Sochan's presence added depth and energy to the Spurs, who were desperate for some stability on their roster.
While the Pacers struggled with their disciplined defensive play, their offensive stats remained commendable as they attempted to keep pace with the Spurs. Coach Rick Carlisle lamented, "We didn't bring our defensive identity tonight. Facing a team with the explosiveness of the Spurs—even more amplified by the Magic of Wembanyama—is always going to be tough if we can't contest shots effectively." The Pacers dropped to 2-7 this season against teams shooting above 52%.
The importance of this game extended beyond the court. For Wembanyama, who hails from Le Chesnay, just outside Paris, playing his first NBA game on French soil was momentous. The local fans filled the arena, with many sporting jerseys and memorabilia adorned with Wembanyama’s name. "I’m grateful and proud to have had this opportunity to play here. It felt like home, and the energy was unbelievable. I hope we can keep building on this performance," he said post-game.
Looking at the broader NBA scene, the league’s initiative to host games abroad reflects its commitment to globalizing basketball. The Spurs' decisive win is just one part of the larger strategy aimed at engaging international audiences. The game served as the first of two scheduled matchups between these teams, continuing on Saturday. The Spurs will aim to replicate their success, and the Pacers will be eager to rebound from this loss.
Fans can expect another thrilling encounter set to take place at the same venue, continuing the celebration of basketball brought to them through the NBA. Thursday’s impressive showing, particularly by Wembanyama, not only spotlighted the Spurs but also set the stage for potentially more historic moments to come.
For viewers, the game was available through various streaming services including FuboTV, SlingTV, and DirecTV Stream, providing multiple ways to connect with the action regardless of their location.
NBA games like this highlight the evolution of the league and its commitment to bringing the excitement of basketball to fans worldwide—from America to France. This game has undoubtedly added to the narrative of the Spurs' season, one punctuated by the remarkable talent and potential of Victor Wembanyama.
With the game finished and spirits high for Spurs’ fans, the upcoming rematch on Saturday is set to build on the already existing excitement from this unique NBA experience.