"It's our alien!": Victor Wembanyama excites San Antonio for the NBA Finals

San Antonio – 06/03/2026: The NBA Finals are just around the corner: the San Antonio Spurs face off against the New York Knicks. At the center of attention is Victor Wembanyama, the 22-year-old Frenchman who has led the Spurs to the finals for the first time since 2014 in his third NBA season. In the Western Conference Finals, Wembanyama impressed with an average of 27.3 points and 10.9 rebounds per game and was unanimously named the MVP of the series.

In San Antonio, Wembanyama has long become an icon. The fans passionately celebrate him and have given him the nickname “our alien” – a recognition of his exceptional skills on the court. His presence and talent are seen as the key to the Spurs’ success, and many expect him to become the future leader of the team.

The New York Knicks, in turn, rely on two other French talents: Mohamed Diawara and Pacôme Dadiet. Diawara, 20 years old, was selected in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft and has established himself in the Knicks’ offense. The former player of Paris Basketball and Ratiopharm Ulm is averaging 1.7 points and 0.9 rebounds per game this season.

Dadiet, also 20 years old, joined the Knicks as the 25th pick in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft. With his 2.06 meters and experience at Ratiopharm Ulm, he brings fresh energy to the Knicks team, although his current playing statistics are 0.4 points and 0.6 rebounds per game.

These French players characterize the 2026 NBA Finals as a symbol of the rise of French basketball on the international stage. The confrontation between the Spurs and the Knicks promises to be an exciting battle, where besides the sporting rivalry, the cultural ties between the teams also play a role.

The Finals start on Wednesday evening at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. The Spurs have gained a slight advantage with their home court, while the Knicks can build on their impressive streak of eleven consecutive playoff victories.

The preparations in San Antonio are in full swing: the city is festively decorated, and the “Spurs Jackals,” a dedicated fan group, have announced their support for the team. Their passion and energy could have a decisive impact on the finals.

The 2026 NBA Finals promise not only to be a top-level basketball event but also an example of the growing influence of French players in the NBA – an event with great sporting and cultural significance.