Victor Wembanyama emerged to a hero’s welcome for his Olympic debut, ensuring that fans in France had plenty to cheer for.
This marked Wembanyama’s first opening ceremony. No Eiffel Tower, no Céline Dion, no Zinedine Zidane or Serena Williams, and no floating cauldron needed. Just a 7-foot 4-inch 20-year-old under the spotlight of the basketball world, and he certainly didn’t let anyone down.
Wembanyama recorded 19 points, nine rebounds, four steals, and three blocked shots, leading France to a victory over Brazil, 78-66, in their Group B matchup on Saturday in front of a full house.
Wembanyama, who was named the NBA’s Rookie of the Year for the San Antonio Spurs last season, and his teammates opted to skip the opening ceremony on Friday to rest for their game on Saturday. The excitement surrounding Wembanyama was palpable in Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille long before the game started, with fans clamoring at the rail of the catwalk to capture images of the Spurs star.
He wasted no time in showcasing his skills: about an hour before tipoff, he effortlessly drained a half-court shot during warmups, shortly after receiving roaring cheers from the home crowd.
Wembanyama won the tip-off against Brazil’s Bruno Caboclo to kickstart the action, and despite trailing by 12 points early in the second quarter, France found their rhythm eventually.
Brazil struggled to contain Wembanyama. On his first possession, he turned and spun toward the baseline, soared into the air, and even with his head and body well behind the backboard, he utilized his impressive wingspan to score.
A few plays later, he spun into the lane, leaping over defenders for a left-handed dunk as he fell to the floor. Later, he delivered a massive right-handed dunk followed by a roar that tied the game at 34-34.
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The game remained tight until the end – Nicolas Batum’s three-pointer with 1:21 left gave France a 10-point lead, and an alley-oop dunk by Wembanyama on the following possession secured the victory. France’s first win is now in the books.
With Kylian Mbappé absent from the home Games after Real Madrid did not release him for the football tournament, Wembanyama has now taken up the role of France’s standout athlete. Although he missed the opening festivities on the Seine, he finally made his mark at his home Games on Saturday, with even more excitement on the horizon.
Next, France will take on Japan, who lost to Germany on Saturday, on July 30.
