Victor Wembanyama Shines, But Spurs Fall to Pacers in Paris

Cataleya

January 26, 2025 · 2 min read

Victor Wembanyama Shines, But Spurs Fall to Pacers in Paris
Other Sports | January 26, 2025
Victor Wembanyama played a key role in helping France secure a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. (Image: Reuters)

Victor Wembanyama, the highly anticipated Frenchman, could not stop the San Antonio Spurs from suffering a 136-98 loss to the Indiana Pacers in Paris. After the Pacers lost 140-110 to the Spurs earlier in the week, they bounced back in commanding fashion at the Accor Arena. Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers by scoring 28 points while Pascal Siakam contributed 23. Victor Wembanyama played for Paris-based Metropolitans 92 before the Spurs selected him as the first pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

He scored 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in the loss. Teammate Harrison Barnes added 25 points. This marks the fourth year the NBA has hosted regular-season games in Paris. Haliburton expressed his joy about playing in the French capital, saying, “It’s been really fun to be here. It’s helping grow the game,” and added that the Pacers aimed to leave the city on a high note. The team now focuses on maintaining the momentum.

Wembanyama, who scored 30 points in the Spurs’ earlier victory over the Pacers, continues to shine despite the loss. The Pacers, currently fifth in the Eastern Conference, secured the win against the Spurs. The Spurs sit near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. In other NBA action, the Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks 122-107 in a Finals rematch. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 24 points followed by Derrick White with 23 and Jaylen Brown with 22.

The Celtics bounced back from their loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. In a thrilling game, the Houston Rockets overcame the Cleveland Cavaliers 135-131, despite letting a 17-point lead slip away in the final quarter. Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson scored key points late to seal the win. Meanwhile, the Lakers triumphed over the Golden State Warriors 118-108, fueled by 36 points and 13 rebounds from Anthony Davis.