"This is our alien!" : Victor Wembanyama impresses San Antonio ahead of the NBA Finals

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

In San Antonio, Wembanyama has long been an icon. Fans passionately support him and have given him the nickname “our alien” – a recognition of his extraordinary abilities on the court. His presence and talent are considered key to the Spurs’ success, and many expect him to become the future leader of the team.

The New York Knicks, in turn, are betting on two other French talents: Mohamed Diarra and Paak Dadié. Diarra, 20 years old, was selected in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft and has secured a spot among the Knicks’ forwards. The former Paris Basketball and Ratiopharm Ulm player is averaging 1.7 points and 0.9 rebounds per game this season.

Dadié, also 20, joined the Knicks in 2024 with the 25th pick in the first round of the NBA Draft. Standing 2.06 meters tall and with experience playing for Ratiopharm Ulm, he brings new energy to the Knicks team, although his current stats are 0.4 points and 0.6 rebounds per game.

These French players shape the 2026 NBA Final as a symbol of the growth of French basketball on the international stage. The matchup between the Spurs and Knicks promises an exciting duel, where besides the sporting rivalry, cultural ties between the teams also play an important role.

The finals will begin Wednesday evening at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. The Spurs have a slight advantage due to their home court, while the Knicks can rely on an impressive streak of eleven playoff wins.

Active preparations are underway in San Antonio: the city is festively decorated, and the fan group “Spurs Jackals” has announced their support for the team. Their passion and energy could significantly impact the finals.

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