Victor Wembanyama’s first Olympics ended with tears and a silver medal, not gold.
But he made sure the U.S. and the rest of the basketball world knew that he has arrived. And he is only going to get better.
The French star scored 26 points and grabbed seven rebounds in a 98-87 loss to the U.S. in the men’s basketball gold-medal game on Saturday. This was France’s second consecutive Olympic silver, having also finished behind the U.S. in Tokyo in 2021.
It wrapped up a remarkable run at the Paris Games for the 20-year-old, 7-foot-4 star who was the NBA’s Rookie of the Year this season. After the medal ceremony, he said the experience has only motivated him to return stronger.
“I’m going to enjoy the moment,” he said, holding his silver medal. “I’m proud of my teammates. I’m proud of what we’ve done here in France in front of our fans. I’m going to let it all soak in.”
Wembanyama had expressed before the Olympics that he hoped France would get a chance to face the U.S. in the medal round.
That chance came in front of a sold-out crowd at Bercy Arena, decorated with France’s blue-white-and-red flags. French basketball legend Tony Parker, who won four NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs team that Wembanyama now plays for, was there.
Fueled by the support of the home fans, Wembanyama showcased his full range of skills against a strong U.S. team filled with the stars who dominate the league he hopes to join at the top one day.
He scored near the basket, kept plays alive, made 3-pointers, and sometimes blocked U.S. players trying to score inside.
He admitted that playing against top players like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant with an Olympic gold medal on the line pushed him to perform at a higher level.
“The final did,” Wembanyama said. “I always try to help my team in whatever is needed. And I’m ready to make any sacrifice. And tonight it was scoring. Through these games, if the defense was too focused on me, my teammates did a good job taking their responsibilities. … They were incredible.”
Wembanyama started strong, scoring seven points in the first four minutes, including a memorable dunk after driving past Joel Embiid. “That kid is special,” Embiid said.
By the end of the third quarter, Wembanyama had 20 points, helping France’s offense along with Guerschon Yabusele.
He was resting on the bench in the fourth quarter when the U.S. took an 82-72 lead. When he came back with 4:15 left, the score was 82-74.
After Nando de Colo’s layup, Wembanyama helped Nicolas Batum double-team Curry, forcing him to turn the ball over to Yabusele, who was fouled on a fast break. Yabusele made 1 of 2 free throws, making it 82-77.
Wembanyama then scored on a tip-in, but Curry hit a 3-pointer and Durant added two free throws, giving the U.S. an eight-point lead with just over two minutes left.
France tried to keep up, but the U.S. pulled away with a final push that included four more 3-pointers from Curry.
As the U.S. celebrated at midcourt, Wembanyama walked alone with his head down. After a few moments, he started hugging his teammates with tears in his eyes.
The American players began to comfort him as they shook hands. Wembanyama then sat on the bench and covered his head with a towel.
He said his tears were from determination. He has experienced playing against the world’s best while representing his country. Wembanyama wants more and believes the experience from the past three weeks will stay with him throughout his career.
“Nobody is going to take that from me,” he said. “I’m learning and I’m worried for the opponents in a couple years.”
NBA and FIBA? “Everywhere.”
