Only the victory will have been missing for the evening to be perfect for Victor Wembanyama. Author of his best game since the start of the finals (22 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 blocks for 30 evaluation), the new phenomenon of French basketball gave everything and even offered himself a nice run on the end, punctuated by two big dunks, until Jordan Lloyd sealed the victory and the crowning of the Monegasques on two 3-point baskets scored in the last minute of the match.
The incredible season of the Metropolitans 92 version 2022/23 is now over. Caught up in the whirlwind of the Wembanyama “hype”, Vincent Collet’s men stopped off in Las Vegas at the start of the season, and then filled all the halls of France, from the Accor Arena to Roland-Garros via the Palais des Sports de Marseille, all in front of an audience of stars who came to see “Wemby” up close.
A start without a title but with fanfare
After the meeting, Victor Wembanyama couldn’t help but have a thought for this public which has been present throughout this season and still in numbers last night.
“I’m sorry for the people who come, who love the show, for not having the victory at the end. I feel sorry for them”, did he declare. “It’s not enough to play well against Monaco, you have to play very well. But I saw us lifting this cup in a few days, it is necessarily a disappointment (…). I am proud to have succeeded with my teammates and my coach in taking the youngest team in the championship to the final. I’m proud of it, but I’m not satisfied either.
For his last match in LNB at the age of 19 and already at the highest level against the third best team in Europe, “Wemby” will have once again displayed what makes him so special, like on this step-back performed in front of former NBA player Domantas Motiejunas and his 2m13. Like his teammate Bilal Coulibaly, the time has now come to prepare for the Draft which will take place in less than a week, on June 22.
“The last few days, I was really focused on the final. There, everything will be linked quickly, but I am ready for that. I’m leaving without a title unfortunately, but I’m leaving”concluded Victor Wembanyama, before flying to San Antonio.
Credit: LNB/Hervé Bellenger
