Victor Wembanyama’s ‘Art of War’ in win over Japan at the Olympics
Victor Wembanyama’s ‘Art of War’ in win over Japan at the Olympics
By Kirsten Cunanan July 31, 2024 09:05
It is not often that an NBA rookie becomes the focal point of a national team’s schemes at the Olympics. There have only been a few stars who have done this like Luka Doncic, Peja Stojakovic, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker among others. Victor Wembanyama is likely going to join this pantheon of all-time greats after the Paris Olympics. He showed just why in their win over Rui Hachimura’s Japan.
To say that Victor Wembanyama was clutch for France is an understatement. The San Antonio Spurs star scored eight of his 18 points in overtime. His clutch gene was also activated by hitting a key three-pointer to get them tied by the end of the fourth quarter. Clearly, the home crowd in Paris wanted more from the Alien. However, he did note why this was the type of game plan that they were employing. It even involves some competitive philosophy, via ESPN.
"The realization, the dynamic of the game. They were playing like underdogs and we were waiting for them to punch a little bit too much. I wanted to make a point and punch first in overtime. And it worked,” Wembanyama declared.
France now has a guaranteed spot in the Paris Olympics quarterfinals alongside Germany and Canada. There is still a lot of basketball left to play and it looks like Wembanyama’s performances will only get better from here on.