Victor Wembanyama is the lone San Antonio Spurs participant within the 2024 Paris Olympics. Throwing apart patriotism, Spurs followers are rooting laborious for the French nationwide crew to take dwelling a medal. They took one step towards that purpose in a 78-66 win over Brazil.
Wembanyama began slowly however dominated the remainder of the sport in entrance of his fellow countrymen. He completed with a game-high 19 factors, 9 rebounds, 4 steals and three blocks whereas taking pictures 7-13 from the sector. A shorter Brazilian squad struggled with Wembanyama’s size as he and Rudy Gobert locked down the paint within the second half.
France initially got here out of the blocks gradual, maybe overwhelmed by the depth of the Paris crowd. Brazil shot out like a gun, bodily pressuring the French ball-handlers and transferring the ball successfully on offense. Leonardo Meindl hit a pair of threes, and Joao Cardoso put Gobert on a poster. With a 23-15 lead within the first quarter, it regarded like Brazil would give France a run for its cash.
Of their tune-up video games, France struggled to seek out methods to get Wembanyama concerned early. That downside continued into its first group stage sport. Within the second quarter, Wembanyama took over and introduced the French again. They lastly began in search of the massive man on the block, and he made issues occur with some candy publish strikes over smaller defenders. He, Gobert and Nicolas Batum had been main distinction makers on the defensive finish, stymying Brazil within the half-court and creating benefits on the break. Each groups struggled with turnovers, however France narrowly gained the giveaway battle 19-20.
France was down 12 to Brazil earlier than Victor Wembanyama determined to singlehandedly take over the sport.
Wemby with a large poster dunk displaying off his 8-foot wingspan. pic.twitter.com/CCRG2K2hfd
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 27, 2024
“He was somewhat bit nervous,” French head coach, Vincent Collet instructed Mike Finger of the San Antonio Specific-Information. “In France, everybody waits for him. You’ve individuals who perceive basketball that know he’s solely 20 years previous. However those that like sports activities however don’t know basketball? They assume he’s Michael Jordan.”
It was a famous person efficiency from Wembanyama in his first Olympic sport. His play within the second quarter fully modified the sport’s trajectory. After halftime, France continued to play nicely. Within the fourth quarter, when it appeared like Brazil may make a comeback, the French relied upon the veteran Batum to seal the sport. He completed with 19 factors and a pair of steals whereas flattening clutch threes within the closing body.
France will tackle Japan in its subsequent matchup on Tuesday, July thirtieth at 10:15 a.m. CT. Wembanyama and firm will look to enhance their standing in group play and put themselves ready to win a medal.
