SAN ANTONIO (USA) - Victor Wembanyama is not just playing for a spot in the NBA Finals with San Antonio facing off against Oklahoma City in the NBA Western Conference. There is also an extra fuel of revenge dating back five years.
In Game 1 in OKC, it certainly felt personal as Wemby delivered 41 points, 24 rebounds, 3 blocks and several decisive plays in the Spurs’ double-overtime classic road win. Chet Holmgren, meanwhile, was limited to 8 points and 8 rebounds.
Let's go back to July 11, 2021 in the Latvian capital of Riga. Wembanyama was hoping to lead France to their first ever FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup title. France were facing USA in the Final and the then 17-year-old Wembanyama had an outstanding game with 22 points, 8 rebounds and 8 blocks.
But he fouled out with 2:42 minutes to go and he was visibly distraught about it, frustrated with himself.
The whole time, France's future superstar was unable to stay in control on the bench. And with Victor on the sidelines, the Americans grabbed two offensive rebounds in the final 10 seconds.
Once the final buzzer sounded and USA completed a 83-81 victory and the Americans celebrated a world title. Wembanyama meanwhile threw the towel he had been chewing away at in disgust.
"Just thinking about it makes my jaw clench," Wembanyama said back in 2022. "It's a regret. An unfilled hole inside me that I have to fix."
How does that 2021 U19 World Cup Final connect to revenge between Wembanyama and the Thunder?
Chet Holmgren was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament in Latvia as he collected 10 points, 2 rebounds and 5 assists in the Final. Wembanyama also garnered a spot in the All-Star Five, but that loss still lives on.
He had a chance at the Americans again two summers ago at the Paris 2024 Men's Olympic Basketball Tournament. But USA prevailed 98-87 over hosts France in the Gold Medal Game with Wembanyama tallying 26 points and 7 rebounds.
Holmgren was not on the USA Olympic team - but there is still revenge at stake for Wembanyama for the 2021 loss. So don't be surprised if his light up when he sees Holmgren guarding him.
You can check here the full game report from the 2021 U19 World Cup Final.
FIBA