Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Victor Wembanyama NBA Finals attention is set to dominate the series as the San Antonio Spurs face the New York Knicks for the championship from Wednesday night.
The French superstar has carried San Antonio onto the biggest stage in basketball, giving the Spurs a title chance and creating a headline match-up that feels built around his rise.
For more NBA coverage, read Victor Wembanyama NBA Finals arrival confirms Spurs star is built for the stage.
Wembanyama Takes The Main Stage
Wembanyama’s arrival has drawn comparisons with the sport’s great big men, from George Mikan and Bill Russell to Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O’Neal.
The 21-year-old is no longer chasing superstar status. He has reached it, and now has his first chance to add an NBA title to his name.
"This is the best basketball on the planet that's being played right now," Wembanyama said after San Antonio beat Oklahoma City in Game 7 to win the Western Conference title.
"And the crazy thing is ... I want to do that 15, 20 more times. Let's hope it doesn't become an addiction. Maybe it is already."
San Antonio Rallies Around Its Star
San Antonio has no Major League Baseball, National Hockey League or National Football League team, leaving the Spurs as the city’s major professional sporting focus.
That bond is showing across the city, from a San Antonio Public Library display titled “Read Like Wemby” to fans visiting Rudy’s Seafood for Spurs murals and Wembanyama tributes.
"The interest has been huge," San Antonio Public Library marketing manager Scott Williams said.
Restaurant owner Roland Ramirez said Wembanyama’s personality has made him easy for the city to embrace.
"That's what people are really feeding off. He's humble, but he's hungry for a championship. And when he gets on the floor, he's a whole different monster."
Official NBA Finals updates are available through the NBA website.