With the home crowd at Pierre Mauroy Stadium on their side, France returned to the Olympic basketball stage with a significant 78-66 victory over Brazil. The game, filled with tension and anticipation, saw the host nation overcoming early nerves to secure a hard-fought win, largely thanks to a stellar debut performance by 20-year-old Victor Wembanyama.

It took some time before France found its rhythm. The nerves in the arena were palpable, and Brazil took full advantage, enjoying a relaxed approach that allowed them to build a 12-point lead early in the second quarter. The tension in the French team was evident when Wembanyama, in an uncharacteristic move, attempted a shot from nearly half-court while his team was down by 10 points. This moment underscored the early jitters that France needed to overcome.

Brazil’s confidence was exemplified by Joao Cardoso Maozinha, who delivered one of the top highlights in men’s basketball of this early Olympic slate by dunking over Rudy Gobert in transition. This emphatic play seemed to ignite a spark within the French team. Recognizing the need to step up, Wembanyama began asserting his dominance. He started receiving the ball closer to the rim, resulting in three major first-half dunks. Defensively, Brazil found it increasingly challenging to handle Wembanyama and Gobert.

France’s turnaround was swift and decisive. By halftime, they had taken the lead, and their defensive intensity held Brazil to just nine points in the third quarter, opening up a 13-point lead. Despite Brazil’s late rallying effort, which brought them within four points with five minutes remaining, clutch plays by Frank Ntilikina and Isaia Cordinier, followed by a crucial steal and layup by Nicolas Batum, secured France’s victory.

It was a strong performance from France collectively, with Wembanyama’s incredible potential being on full display as the focus. He’s already showing signs of being one of the most talented players in basketball so early in his career.

Victor Wembanyama emphasized “sacrifices” for France’s success

Victor Wembanyama’s debut was nothing short of spectacular. Drawing the loudest cheers from the 27,000 fans in attendance, Wembanyama finished the game with 19 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 blocks, proving his worth on both ends of the court.

Wembanyama’s contributions were critical on offense and defense. His paint protection presence forced Brazil to abandon its inside game and settle for contested jump shots. The fact that France won the blocks stat 6-to-1, led by Gobert and Wembanyama, was game-changing.

Reflecting on the game, Wembanyama expressed his gratitude and the importance of teamwork in their victory. “Taking everything that’s given to me and communicating a lot with my teammates. It’s about sacrifices. We’re all here for a purpose,” Wembanyama said.

“We’ve got just on the inside positions two of the best players in EuroLeague and two good frontrunners for the (NBA) defensive player of the year, and we’re all ready to give our spot to the next guy,” Wembanyama continued. “Nic (Batum) and coach (Collet) have been together for 20 years, they know each other, and I like the way they’ve tried to install me in this system.”

Nicolas Batum, who scored 19 points on the night, praised Wembanyama’s basketball IQ and unselfishness, making it easy to thrive playing next to him. “It’s easy to play basketball with him. His size first, but he knows how to play the game,” Batum detailed. “I’ve played with so many great players in my career, but to play with a young guy with such a high IQ, it’s easy to play with him, around him, to give him the ball.

The defense is always so focused on trying to contain Wembanyama that Batum praised how the young superstar uses it to his advantage. “He’s so good, the defense is so attracted to him, so I just try to find him in the right spots so we can play around him,” Batum explained. “Especially in the first half, he did great.”

Given how productive Wembanyama has become at such a young age, he’s already drawing lofty comparisons to legends.

Is Victor Wembanyama already drawing Michael Jordan comparisons?

France head coach Vincent Collet acknowledged Wembanyama’s initial stress but emphasized his rapid adjustment. “It was the first time in his career I thought he was a bit stressed,” Collet said. “Three days before the game I felt that he was a little bit stressed, so we talked together, everybody around him, his teammates, the rest of the staff, we tried to help him, and he’s so mature, day by day it got better.”

Collet explained how the expectations are already so high for Wembanyama despite him still being very young, making it all the more impressive that he continues to amaze observers. “In France, everybody waits for him like… I don’t know which word to use, but everybody waited for him. People who know basketball, they understand that he’s only 20 years old. But for people that like sports, but don’t know basketball, they think Victor is already Michael Jordan (laughs). It takes time.”

When asked if Wembanyama is almost Michael Jordan, Collet added, “He’s not far.”

Brazil saw standout performances from Leo Meindl, who scored 14 points, and Marcelinho Huertas, who added 11 points and 5 assists. However, their efforts were not enough to overcome France’s defensive prowess. Brazil head coach Aco Petrović must monitor Yago Santos’ condition ahead of their critical matchup against Germany, who was limited to less than 15 minutes in this game, and his presence will be crucial throughout the Olympics.

For France, the victory was significant because it marked a strong start to their Olympic campaign and highlighted areas for improvement. While Batum and Ntilikina made 6 of 14 three-pointers, the rest of the team struggled from beyond the arc, going a combined 2 of 11. France must address its offensive consistency as it prepares to face Japan next.

As they move forward, France will look to build on this momentum and tighten up in critical areas to continue its pursuit of Olympic glory on home soil.