Wembanyama dominates as Metropolitans 92 advance to French League Finals

The San Antonio Spurs are a little less than three weeks from making Victor Wembanyama the first overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft. And while fans can hardly contain their excitement to watch him suit up in Silver and Black for the first time, the Parisian phenom is preoccupied with attempting to lead Metropolitans 92 to their first championship in franchise history.

With Metropolitans 92 leading their LNB Pro A Semifinal series 2-1 versus ASVEL entering Sunday, Wembanyama logged 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and five blocks to help his ball club win Game 4 and advance to the Finals. The 19-year-old has been a dominant force this season, and he was once again the most impactful player on the hardwood.

Wembanyama left his fingerprints all over this contest with his unparalleled rim protection. The lanky Frenchman rejected a hook shot from a fellow seven-footer, erased a midrange jumper off a handoff, and used his massive mits to stop a slam. He also contained dribble penetration when switched onto guards and picked off an entry lob with his reported eight-foot wingspan.

Despite early shooting struggles, Wembanyama showed up when it mattered most. Even when the 7-foot-5 center fell cold, he capitalized on his gravity to connect with cutters and trailers. He eventually found a rhythm with a few buckets near the basket in the third quarter before sinking a sidestep three and draining a contested fadeaway as the shot clock expired later in the second half.

His ability to reshape the geography of a basketball court with his length and ground coverage should immediately pay off for the Spurs as they look to redeem themselves for what might have been the worst defense the NBA has ever seen. And with Wembanyama's knack for creating something out of nothing, San Antonio should improve on the other side of the floor too.