French basketball sensation Victor Wembanyama delivered a strong individual performance, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the San Antonio Spurs from suffering a heavy 136-98 defeat to the Indiana Pacers at the Accor Arena in Paris.
The game marked the second of two regular-season NBA matchups held in the French capital this year. The Pacers, who had been routed 140-110 by the Spurs just two days earlier, bounced back with a commanding display.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 28 points, while Pascal Siakam added 23, ensuring a dominant performance. Meanwhile, Wembanyama, who previously played for Paris-based Metropolitans 92 before being selected as the number one overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, contributed 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for the Spurs. Harrison Barnes also had a strong showing for San Antonio, scoring 25 points.
Speaking after the win, Haliburton expressed his excitement about playing in Paris. “It’s been really fun to be here. It’s helping grow the game,” he said. “We just wanted to leave the city on a good note. It was a really good showing from us tonight, and we want to carry this momentum forward.”
The game is part of the NBA’s ongoing effort to expand its global reach, marking the fourth year regular-season games have been played in Paris.
Wembanyama, a key figure in France’s silver-medal-winning Olympic team last summer, had been instrumental in the Spurs’ earlier win over Indiana, scoring 30 points in that game.
With this victory, the Pacers solidify their position as fifth in the Eastern Conference standings, while the Spurs continue to struggle near the bottom of the Western Conference.
Celtics Triumph Over Mavericks in NBA Finals Rematch
In a rematch of last season’s NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics secured a 122-107 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Jayson Tatum led the defending champions with 24 points, while Derrick White and Jaylen Brown contributed 23 and 22 points, respectively.
The win was a much-needed boost for Boston, who were coming off a 21-point loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday.
Rockets Edge Cavaliers in a Thriller
The Houston Rockets overcame a late surge from the Cleveland Cavaliers to secure a thrilling 135-131 win over the Eastern Conference leaders. Despite entering the fourth quarter with a 17-point lead, Houston allowed Cleveland to tie the game with just under two minutes left. However, clutch plays from Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson sealed the win for the Rockets.
Anthony Davis Powers Lakers Past Warriors
Anthony Davis delivered a dominant performance for the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring 36 points and grabbing 13 rebounds in their 118-108 victory over the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco. The Lakers continue to build momentum as they push forward in the Western Conference standings.
SOURCE: BBC
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