Paris witnessed basketball brilliance on Saturday as Tyrese Haliburton unleashed a dazzling third-quarter surge, leading the Indiana Pacers to a dominant 136-98 victory over Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs
A Night of Drama in the City of Lights
Under the glowing Eiffel Tower and amidst the buzzing Parisian crowd, the Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs clashed in the NBA Paris Games finale. What unfolded wasn’t just a game; it was a spectacle. Tyrese Haliburton stole the spotlight with a third-quarter performance that left fans in awe, while Victor Wembanyama’s homecoming was met with challenges and a bittersweet ending.
Haliburton’s Masterclass: A Third Quarter to Remember
The moment belonged to Haliburton. In a jaw-dropping two-and-a-half-minute span late in the third quarter, he scored 16 of his 28 points, nailing every shot he took. From long-range threes to silky drives, Haliburton made Paris his stage, guiding the Pacers to a commanding lead.
“He’s unstoppable,” Myles Turner said postgame. “When he gets in that zone, there’s no one better.”
The Pacers capitalized on Haliburton’s brilliance, ending the third quarter with a 15-point lead they would only extend. The team shot an impressive 60% during this stretch, outpacing the Spurs with speed, precision, and relentless energy.
Wembanyama: Fighting Spirit in Front of a Home Crowd
For Victor Wembanyama, this game was personal. Playing on home soil for the first time in his NBA career, he delivered a solid 20-point, 12-rebound performance. However, the towering Frenchman faced a relentless Indiana defense that limited his impact in key moments.
Despite the scoreline, the Paris crowd erupted every time Wemby touched the ball. His late-game applause for the fans was a poignant reminder of his connection to his homeland, even in defeat.
A Game of Contrasts: The Pacers’ Unity vs. Spurs’ Struggles
While Haliburton led Indiana’s charge, the team’s depth was equally impressive. Pascal Siakam contributed 23 points, Andrew Nembhard added 15, and Myles Turner delivered on both ends of the floor with 14 points and key defensive plays.
For the Spurs, Harrison Barnes stood out with 25 points, and rookie Stephon Castle showed promise with 17. Yet, inconsistency plagued San Antonio. After briefly taking the lead in the third quarter, the Spurs couldn’t sustain their momentum, allowing Indiana to dominate the final stretch.
Encadré: Key Stats from the Game
- Haliburton’s Explosion: 16 points in 2.5 minutes, 18 points total in the third quarter.
- Wemby’s Double-Double: 20 points, 12 rebounds, plus 2 steals and 1 block.
- Pacers’ Depth: Six players scored in double figures.
- Spurs’ Challenge: Failed to sweep any two-game series this season.
Paris, Basketball, and the Magic of the NBA
This wasn’t just a game; it was a celebration of basketball’s global reach. Paris, the romantic heart of Europe, became the epicenter of hoops for a weekend. From the fans’ cheers to the players’ extraordinary performances, the NBA Paris Games proved once again why basketball is a universal language.
Looking Ahead
With both teams heading back to the U.S., their Paris adventure ends here. The Spurs face the Clippers on Wednesday, while the Pacers take on Detroit. But for fans who witnessed the magic in Paris, this game will remain etched in their memories, a night where Haliburton soared, Wembanyama stood tall, and basketball reigned supreme in the City of Lights.
By Nouha Chani
Sources: Associated Press, NBA.com
