NANTERRE, France (AP) — When Indiana faces San Antonio in Paris this Thursday, teh Pacers will be listed as the home team on the scoreboard. Though, the atmosphere will feel anything but homey.
“We’re expecting a massive crowd rooting against us,” said Indiana guard Andrew Nembhard.his prediction isn’t far off, especially with the towering presence of 2.24-metre-tall Victor Wembanyama drawing attention. The upcoming NBA games in Paris — a double-header featuring Indiana versus San Antonio on Thursday and Saturday — are set to honor Wembanyama, the French phenom who clinched the NBA Rookie of the Year title with the Spurs and is poised to make his All-Star debut this season.
Welcome to “Wemby Week” in Paris, a celebration of basketball and national pride.
Both teams touched down in Paris on Monday, with a packed schedule of practices and events planned throughout the week. The Spurs wasted no time,heading straight from the airport to a light practice session in Nanterre — the very court where Wembanyama began his professional journey at just 15 years old.
“It felt surreal to see my teammates in this arena, where I spent so much of my early career,” Wembanyama shared after the practice, wich was attended by local youth basketball players donning Spurs jerseys. “It’s like two worlds merging. So far, it’s been amazing. There’s a lot of emotion.”
While Paris has hosted NBA games in recent years, including Chicago-Detroit in 2023 and Brooklyn-Cleveland last season, this year’s two-game series stands out, largely due to Wembanyama’s star power.
The ticket demand was unprecedented, with both games selling out within a day. Some premium packages remain available, such as a $730 ticket for Thursday’s game that includes a photo op with the Larry O’brien Trophy (flights not included).
Not all fans secured their tickets through customary means. Wembanyama orchestrated a creative scavenger hunt, hiding QR codes in five French cities — Paris, Lyon, Lille, Marseille, and Bordeaux — offering 10 lucky fans a chance to attend. “I couldn’t return to Paris without giving fans a chance to see me play,” he posted on social media.
The Spurs’ connection to France runs deep, predating Wembanyama’s arrival. Legends like Tony Parker and Boris Diaw laid the foundation for this bond during their time with the team. This week, the Spurs are further cementing their ties with France through a series of events in collaboration with Paris-Saint Germain, one of the world’s most popular soccer clubs.
“Our history with france is rich and multifaceted. This trip is another opportunity to strengthen that connection,” said Spurs interim coach Mitch Johnson. “It’s especially meaningful for Vic, who just wrapped up an incredible Olympic run.”
Last summer, France hosted the Paris Olympics, where Wembanyama led his national team to the gold medal match against the United States. Despite his 26-point performance in the final, the U.S. team, led by Stephen Curry’s 24 points and a late-game three-point barrage, claimed the gold. Wembanyama settled for silver, but this week’s games will take place in the same arena where that historic match unfolded.
When asked earlier this season about returning to Paris, Wembanyama admitted, “I’ve thought about it constantly.” Now, the moment has arrived. While his week is packed with reunions and community events, his focus remains on the games. “Thursday and Saturday are all about winning,” he said.
“This trip is my way of giving back to the French fans, many of whom may never get to see me play in the U.S.,” Wembanyama added. “It’s incredibly crucial to me. We’ve only been here a few hours, but it already feels special.”
Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, who was part of the U.S. Olympic team that won gold last summer, understands the meaning of Wembanyama’s return. “the game has never seen a player like him,” Haliburton remarked.
the Spurs arrived in Paris after a tough loss in Miami on Sunday, taking time to adjust to the time difference before their flight. Meanwhile, the Pacers planned to explore iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower upon landing. “We’re soaking in all the sights,” said Pacers center Myles Turner in a team video.
Paris has been eagerly awaiting Wembanyama’s return, and he’s set to be welcomed as a hometown hero. “There will be fans at the game who haven’t seen him play in years — or ever,” Johnson noted.
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This story was translated from English by an AP editor with the assistance of a generative artificial intelligence tool.
“Wemby Week” in Paris: A Celebration of Basketball, National Pride, and Victor Wembanyama’s Homecoming
The NBA’s global reach continues to expand, and this week, the spotlight shines brightly on Paris as the Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs prepare to face off in a highly anticipated two-game series. Dubbed “Wemby Week,” the event is a celebration of basketball, national pride, and the meteoric rise of French phenom victor Wembanyama, who has quickly become one of the league’s most captivating stars.
A Homecoming for Wembanyama
At the heart of this week’s festivities is Victor Wembanyama, the 2.24-meter-tall Spurs rookie who has taken the NBA by storm. Fresh off winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award and poised to make his All-Star debut this season, Wembanyama’s return to Paris is nothing short of a homecoming. The Spurs wasted no time immersing themselves in the local culture,heading straight from the airport to a light practice session in Nanterre — the very court where Wembanyama began his professional journey at just 15 years old.
“It felt surreal to see my teammates in this arena, where I spent so much of my early career,” Wembanyama shared after the practice, which was attended by local youth basketball players donning Spurs jerseys. “It’s like two worlds merging.So far, it’s been amazing. There’s a lot of emotion.”
The Pacers’ Uphill Battle
While the Pacers will technically be listed as the home team on the scoreboard, the atmosphere in Paris is expected to feel anything but homey. Indiana guard Andrew Nembhard acknowledged the challenge, stating, “We’re expecting a massive crowd rooting against us.” With Wembanyama’s towering presence and the overwhelming support for the French star,the Pacers will undoubtedly face an uphill battle both on and off the court.
A Star-Studded Event
Paris has hosted NBA games in recent years, including matchups between Chicago and Detroit in 2023 and Brooklyn and Cleveland last season. However, this year’s two-game series stands out, largely due to Wembanyama’s star power. The ticket demand has been unprecedented, with both games selling out within a day. for those willing to splurge, premium packages remain available, such as a $730 ticket for Thursday’s game that includes a photo op with the Larry O’Brien Trophy (flights not included).
A Celebration of Basketball and National Pride
“Wemby Week” is more than just a pair of NBA games; it’s a celebration of basketball and national pride. For French fans, it’s an opportunity to rally behind one of their own, a player who has not onyl made history in the NBA but also inspired a new generation of basketball enthusiasts. For the NBA, it’s a chance to further solidify its global presence and connect with fans in one of Europe’s most passionate basketball markets.
As the Pacers and Spurs take the court this Thursday and Saturday, all eyes will be on Wembanyama and the electric atmosphere in Paris. Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan or simply captivated by the story of a hometown hero making good, “Wemby Week” promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the games unfold!
