Victor Wembanyama shines in France’s victory over Turkey
The Paris Olympics are swiftly approaching, with nations worldwide readying their top basketball talents for the gold medal chase in August. Among the contenders, Team USA boasts a formidable roster, making them the favorites to clinch the title. However, San Antonio Spurs fans might find themselves rallying behind another strong competitor: France, led by the towering 7-foot-3 star, Victor Wembanyama.
In their inaugural exhibition game against Turkey, the French national team made an emphatic statement with a resounding 96-46 victory. Wembanyama showcased his NBA-caliber skills with an outstanding performance, tallying 24 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 3 blocks, and 4 assists on an efficient 10-14 shooting in just 20 minutes of play. His impact was undeniable, registering a game-high +44 in plus-minus rating.
France strategically employs a formidable twin tower setup featuring Wembanyama alongside Rudy Gobert. Initially questioned for their offensive synergy, the duo swiftly silenced doubts with a potent high-low strategy that proved difficult for opponents to defend. Both players excel not only as finishers but also as adept passers, leveraging their size and skill to bolster France’s game plan.
Defensively, Gobert and Wembanyama, recognized as Defensive Player of the Year and runner-up respectively in their respective leagues, posed significant challenges for Turkey. Their intimidating presence in the paint allowed France’s guards to adopt an aggressive stance, forcing turnovers and limiting Turkey to a mere 11 field goals throughout the game.
Offensively, France’s approach revolves around feeding their towering centers in the paint before orchestrating swift ball movement. The team’s guards displayed keen awareness, frequently finding Wembanyama with pinpoint lobs, highlighting his ability to finish plays emphatically.
Wembanyama continued to dazzle with his athleticism and versatility, blocking three-point attempts, executing acrobatic alley-oops, and demonstrating an improved outside shot, going 2-4 from beyond the arc. His enhanced conditioning and strength were evident, contributing to his dynamic performance since the NBA season concluded.
Looking ahead, France will engage in four more exhibition matches ahead of the late July Olympics kick-off, including a highly anticipated clash against Germany on July 8 at 2 p.m. CT. These games, all available for streaming on NBA.com, offer crucial opportunities for France to refine their strategies and build momentum heading into the prestigious Olympic tournament. With Wembanyama leading the charge alongside Gobert, France appears poised to challenge for Olympic glory, ensuring they remain a team to watch closely in Paris.