"È il nostro alieno!": Victor Wembanyama excites San Antonio before the NBA Finals "He's our alien!"—that's how fans in San Antonio celebrated Victor Wembanyama on the eve of the NBA Finals. The 20-year-old Frenchman, who already in his rookie season transformed the Spurs into a national topic, was greeted with chants, posters and admiration as the city prepared for the big games. Wembanyama's unique combination of height, mobility and shooting has not only excited experts but also sparked genuine local affection. Supporters filled the surrounding streets, wearing jerseys and waving handmade signs that played on the "alien" nickname, referring to his seemingly extraterrestrial skills on the court. Even critics concede that Wembanyama brought new life into a franchise that had struggled for years. Coaches and teammates praised his work ethic and calm demeanor in interviews, while opponents warned that stopping him would require an unprecedented defensive effort. San Antonio, a city with a deep basketball tradition, embraced the newcomer as if he had always been part of its identity. From lively bars to family living rooms, conversations turned to his next moves, his potential impact on the Finals and whether this was the beginning of a dynasty. The buzz extended beyond the arena: local businesses reported increased foot traffic, and civic leaders lauded the economic and cultural boost of having a global star in their midst. Whether the Spurs will capitalize on this momentum in the Finals remains to be seen, but for now, Victor Wembanyama is the symbol of renewed hope—and, to many, their alien.

San Antonio – 03.06.2026: The NBA Finals are at hand: the San Antonio Spurs face the New York Knicks. At the center of attention is Victor Wembanyama, the 22-year-old Frenchman who led the Spurs, in his third NBA season, to the Finals for the first time since 2014. In the Western Conference Finals, Wembanyama impressed with an average of 27.3 points and 10.9 rebounds per game and was unanimously chosen as the series MVP.

In San Antonio, Wembanyama has become an icon. Fans celebrate him passionately and have nicknamed him “our alien” – a recognition of his extraordinary abilities on the court. His presence and talent are considered keys to the Spurs’ success, and many predict he will grow into the team’s future leader.

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

Dadiet, also twenty, arrived at the Knicks in 2024 as the 25th pick in the first round of the NBA Draft. At 2.06 meters and with experience at Ratiopharm Ulm, he brings new energy to the Knicks’ team, although his current statistics are 0.4 points and 0.6 rebounds per game.

These French players are characterizing the 2026 NBA Finals as a symbol of the rise of French basketball on the international stage. The matchup between the Spurs and Knicks promises to be a compelling duel, in which cultural connections between the teams play a role alongside the sporting rivalry.

The Finals begin Wednesday evening at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. The Spurs have gained a slight advantage with home-court factor, while the Knicks can count on their impressive run of eleven consecutive playoff wins.

In San Antonio preparations are in full swing: the city is decked out for the occasion and the “Spurs Jackals”, a group of passionate fans, have announced their support for the team. Their passion and energy could have a decisive influence on the Finals.

The 2026 NBA Finals promise not only a high-level basketball spectacle but also an example of the growing impact of French players in the NBA – an event of great sporting and cultural value.