Victor Wembanyama in Paris

Victor Wembanyama, the 20-year-old NBA rookie, played a pivotal role in leading France to a 73-69 victory over Germany in the Olympic semifinals, despite struggling with his shooting, finishing with 11 points on 4-17 shooting. His contributions extended beyond scoring; he notched seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks, showcasing his defensive prowess and playmaking ability. France's win avenged a prior loss to Germany in the group stage and propelled them to the gold medal game against the winner of the USA vs. Serbia semifinal. Wembanyama's ability to rebound from a slow start and make crucial plays, including a significant dunk and a late three-pointer, exemplified his potential as a future star. Coach Vincent Collet's strategic adjustments, utilizing Wembanyama effectively, helped control the game's tempo and secured a spot in the finals. The matchup is particularly notable as it sets the stage for a potential rematch with Team USA, who defeated France in the last Olympic final.