Victor Wembanyama Struggled Mightily in First Game of French League Finals

The 19-year-old phenom and expected 2023 top pick turned in a rare off performance on Saturday.

For the better of the last year, NBA fans have become accustomed to seeing dazzling reports of Victor Wembanyama’s dominance overseas. But, on Saturday, the highly-touted phenom’s latest headlines told a much different story, thanks to a rare off day.

Wembanyama, the presumed No. 1 pick in the NBA draft on June 22, kicked off the 2023 Pro A Finals with a dud of a performance in No. 2 seed Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92’s 87–64 Game 1 loss to top-seeded Monaco.

In his 27 minutes of action, Wembanyama recorded just eight points on 3-of-8 shooting, seven rebounds and two assists while adding another highlight-worthy blocked shot.

Wemby block to open the game 🚫

Watch Game 1 of Metropolitans 92's LNB Finals matchup against AS Monaco, LIVE on the NBA App!

➡️ https://t.co/bY75YV5vk4 pic.twitter.com/zdG4FcmyQk

— NBA (@NBA) June 10, 2023

While Wembanyama may receive flack for his counting stats, the 7-foot-4 French big man still, by all accounts, flashed the tantalizing two-way potential that made him a top prospect. Plus, Wembanyama and Metro 92 will have a chance to redeem themselves on Monday when the teams meet for Game 2 of their best-of-five championship series.

Despite the publicity the blowout loss and Wemby’s struggles will accrue, however, Saturday’s showing will likely have zero effect on the 19-year-old’s expected selection by the Spurs with the No. 1 overall pick later this month.