Spurs Thrash Pacers 140-110 Behind Wembanyama's 30 Points

Victor Wembanyama starred with 30 points and 11 rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs dominated the Indiana Pacers 140-110 in the NBA Paris Games.

The San Antonio Spurs delivered a dominant performance at the Accor Arena in Paris, defeating the Indiana Pacers in the first of two matches of the NBA Paris Games. The highly anticipated game featured Victor Wembanyama, the 21-year-old French sensation, who lived up to expectations and thrilled the crowd with his impressive skills.

The atmosphere at the Accor Arena was electric, with the crowd's enthusiasm oscillating between subdued and excellent throughout the game. Thursday's matchup marked the first edition of the NBA Paris Games, a highly anticipated event that drew a large and enthusiastic crowd. The game provided an opportunity for fans to witness a thrilling contest and gauge the popularity of Wembanyama, who has been generating immense excitement in the basketball world.

The game got off to a strong start, with Tyrese Haliburton controlling the tempo and showcasing his shooting and passing skills. The Pacers initially took control, but the Spurs soon responded with a burst of energy led by Victor Wembanyama. The French star's impressive performance helped the Spurs gain momentum and ultimately secure a dominating victory over the Pacers.

A 7-0 run by the Spurs restored parity, but it was Devin Vassell who stole the show in the first quarter. However, Obi Toppin's impressive 11-point scoring streak off the Pacers bench kept Indiana in contention. At the end of the first quarter, the Spurs held a narrow 30-29 lead, setting the tone for a high-scoring and offense-driven game.

The start of the second quarter saw a lull in intensity, with the Spurs struggling to execute. However, a thrilling highlight from Victor Wembanyama, affectionately known as “Wemby,” reignited the crowd's enthusiasm. Wembanyama's facilitation skills helped the Spurs find their rhythm, but neither team showed much defensive prowess. Tyrese Haliburton took advantage of the situation, showcasing his smooth gameplay to keep the Pacers in the hunt. At halftime, the Spurs held a slim 60-57 lead, with Wembanyama already scoring 15 points.

The Pacers seemed to come out with renewed intentions in the second half, but they failed to translate their plans into action. Harrison Barnes took charge, putting the Spurs back in the lead, and Wembanyama extended the lead to double digits for the first time. The Pacers' collective game fell apart, with frequent turnovers and a widening gap. After a Vassell steal and a trip to the line, the Spurs led by 20 points with just three minutes left in the third quarter. Indiana's collapse was stark, with the Spurs scoring an impressive 45 points in the quarter.

As the Spurs' lead ballooned to over 25 points, the suspense seemed to dissipate. However, Wembanyama continued to put on a show, thwarting any potential Pacers comeback. His dazzling performance left the crowd in awe, cementing his status as a rising star in the NBA.

Victor Wembanyama ties Tim Duncan for the 5th most games in NBA history with:

30+ PTS
10+ REB
5+ AST
5+ BLK pic.twitter.com/WHjpdGhZ8H

— Real Sports (@realapp_) January 23, 2025

With the Spurs' victory all but assured, second-stringers Harrison Barnes and Devin Vassell took over, delivering impressive performances. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama could take pride in his outstanding contribution, having scored 30 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. The Pacers' inability to mount a comeback allowed the Spurs to coast to a resounding 140-110 victory.

The Pacers' failure to regroup after halftime ultimately cost them the game. In contrast, the Spurs' dominant performance served as a statement of intent, demonstrating that they remain a force to be reckoned with in the playoff race. Despite a recent slump, the Spurs proved they are still a team to contend with.

Wembanyama's impressive display was all the more remarkable considering the challenges he faced, including jetlag and the weight of expectation. He rose to the occasion, meeting the lofty expectations surrounding his participation in the NBA Paris Games. The stage is now set for Saturday's rematch, where the Pacers will aim to redeem themselves and deliver a more comprehensive performance over 48 minutes.