NANTERRE, France (AP) — The upcoming NBA Paris Games between Indiana and San Antonio are set to be a weeklong celebration of France's own Victor Wembanyama. The Pacers will face the Spurs in two games, with the first matchup designating the Pacers as the home team and the second game favoring the Spurs.
The teams arrived in Paris on Monday, with various events and practices scheduled throughout the week leading up to the games. The Spurs, with a long history in France, are collaborating with Paris-Saint Germain to engage fans in a series of events.
Ticket demand for the games has been exceptionally high, with tickets selling out in a day. Some tickets are still available as part of packages, with prices reaching $730 for a game ticket on Thursday, which includes a photo opportunity with the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
Wembanyama, a rising star in the NBA, organized a treasure hunt for 10 tickets, with QR codes hidden in five cities across France. This initiative aimed to give fans the chance to watch him play in his home country.
Wembanyama, who played a key role in France's silver medal performance at the Olympics, is eagerly anticipating his return to Paris. The games will be held in the same arena where the Olympic final took place, adding to the significance of the event for him.
Players like Tyrese Haliburton, who was part of the U.S. Olympic team, recognize Wembanyama's unique talent and the excitement surrounding his return to Paris. The Spurs and Pacers are preparing for the games after their respective recent matchups, with the anticipation building among fans in Paris.
Paris is abuzz with excitement as Wembanyama prepares to showcase his skills in front of a home crowd. The games are not only a sporting event but also a celebration of Wembanyama's success and the strong ties between the NBA and France.
