Victor Wembanyama

Having already exceeded any expectation lofty enough to rival his 7-foot-3 frame on the NBA’s landscape, it likely came as no surprise that Victor Wembanyama rose to the pressures of his France homecoming with relative ease. Supercharged by the immediate, well-deserved standing ovation from the 15,935 in attendance at Accor Arena, Wembanyama’s on-court “bonjour” of sorts didn’t take long to arrive. Over a 32-minute showing, those viewing were introduced to the full “Victor Wembanyama Experience.” From midcourt logo 3-pointers to emphatic swats, to even alley-oops — including one to himself — the home game of a different type reaffirmed what was already known: the San Antonio Spurs’ second-year big remains, fittingly, on the road to superstardom. Requiring a moment or two to get fully calibrated, the Spurs rallied behind No. 1, turning his energy into a second-half runaway, and subsequently, a 30-point win over the Indiana Pacers on January 23, 2025. Packing versatility into his suitcase, Wembanyama’s performance was, in a word, “grande,” as he accumulated 30 points (on 13-of-21 shooting), 11 rebounds, six assists, one steal, five blocks, and four 3-pointers.