The stage is set for an electrifying NBA season, and this year, the French contingent is making waves like never before. With a roster of 14 talents, expectations are high as we dive into weekly matchups, stats, and highlights. This week, all eyes are on Victor Wembanyama as he continues to redefine the game and keep fans on the edge of their seats. Let’s break down the latest action from our French basketball stars!
# Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)
The phenom is heating up, and folks, get ready for the ride. After 100 games in the NBA, Victor Wembanyama is already a household name, dazzling fans with runs of 50-point games and soaring for 20 rebounds or 10 blocks as if it’s just another day in the office. Since LeBron, we haven’t witnessed such dynamism— every outing feels like a new spectacle! This week, his back-to-back face-offs against Nikola Jokic sent shockwaves through the league. We could be in for 10 to 12 years of basketball brilliance!
- Spurs @ Wolves: 34 points (13/30 FG, 4/12 3PT), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks in 37 minutes
- Spurs vs Clippers: 27 points (10/18 FG, 1/6 3PT), 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 3 blocks in 26 minutes
- Spurs @ Nuggets: 35 points (14/21 FG, 4/6 3PT), 18 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks in 33 minutes
- Spurs vs Nuggets: 20 points (7/19 FG, 2/12 3PT), 23 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 4 blocks in 39 minutes
Wemby’s season averages: 25.9 points (48.7% FG, 36.2% 3PT), 87.5% FT, 10.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1 steal, 3.9 blocks in 32.9 minutes
# Bilal Coulibaly (Washington Wizards)
Bilal had a rocky return post-holidays, having to exit early against the Bulls and missing the game against the Pelicans. It seems that indulging a bit too much before the game didn’t sit well with the rookie. We’re eager to see him bounce back, as he was on a solid streak prior to the hiccup.
- Wizards vs Knicks: 6 points (1/10 FG, 0/4 3PT), 4/4 FT, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 blocks in 31 minutes
- Wizards vs Bulls: 0 points (0/1 FG), 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 steal in 9 minutes
- Wizards @ Pelicans: DNP
Bilal’s season averages: 12.8 points (42.6% FG, 29.7% 3PT), 78.5% FT, 5.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.8 blocks in 33.8 minutes
# Alexandre Sarr (Washington Wizards)
This week’s breakout star, Alex snagged the Rookie of the Month trophy thanks to his consistently impressive performances. With the 2024 class being so well-rounded, Sarr’s rise has him in serious contention for Rookie of the Year if he maintains this momentum.
- Wizards vs Knicks: 18 points (7/13 FG, 3/6 3PT), 1/2 FT, 4 rebounds, 1 block in 25 minutes
- Wizards vs Bulls: 11 points (5/11 FG, 1/2 3PT), 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block in 25 minutes
- Wizards @ Pelicans: 19 points (7/13 FG, 0/2 3PT), 5/5 FT, 7 rebounds, 5 assists in 27 minutes
Alex’s season averages: 11.9 points (41.3% FG, 31.5% 3PT), 65.2% FT, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.7 blocks in 27.2 minutes
# Zaccharie Risacher (Atlanta Hawks)
Zaccharie has settled around a solid 10-point average, but it’s time to step up his shooting and growth to break into the top tier of rookies this season. The Hawks are playing solid ball, keeping fans optimistic about his potential. Will he rise to the occasion?
- Hawks @ Raptors: 14 points (5/8 FG, 2/3 3PT), 2/2 FT, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block in 27 minutes
- Hawks @ Nuggets: 13 points (6/12 FG, 1/6 3PT), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block in 32 minutes
- Hawks @ Lakers: 7 points (3/8 FG, 0/2 3PT), 1/1 FT, 3 rebounds, 1 steal in 25 minutes
- Hawks @ Clippers: 13 points (5/11 FG, 1/4 3PT), 2/2 FT, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal in 28 minutes
Zaccharie’s season averages: 10.7 points (40.2% FG, 28% 3PT), 70.1% FT, 3.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.6 blocks in 23.9 minutes
# Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves)
It’s been a challenging stretch for Rudy. As a defensive stalwart, his impact has felt diminished in recent weeks, compounded by the absence of Karl-Anthony Towns, which puts more pressure on Anthony Edwards. While the performance is decent, we know Rudy can bring more to the table.
- Wolves vs Spurs: 17 points (6/12 FG, 5/6 FT), 15 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks in 31 minutes
- Wolves @ Thunder: 8 points (3/6 FG, 2/2 FT), 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks in 31 minutes
- Wolves vs Celtics: 6 points (3/5 FG), 7 rebounds in 28 minutes
- Wolves @ Pistons: 6 points (3/6 FG, 0/2 FT), 6 rebounds, 2 blocks in 30 minutes
Rudy’s season averages: 10.3 points (63.1% FG, 71.4% FT), 10.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.4 blocks in 33.5 minutes
# Guerschon Yabusele (Philadelphia 76ers)
Nick Nurse has been juggling Guerschon between the starting lineup and the bench, but the forward continues to deliver no matter where he is on the floor. The inconsistent season for the Sixers may put a damper on things, yet Yabu’s ability to produce keeps him in the spotlight.
- Sixers @ Blazers: 16 points (6/9 FG, 2/4 3PT), 2/3 FT, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block in 28 minutes
- Sixers @ Kings: 8 points (3/6 FG, 2/5 3PT), 1 rebound, 3 assists, 1 block in 30 minutes
- Sixers @ Warriors: 13 points (4/6 FG, 1/2 3PT), 4/4 FT, 6 rebounds, 2 assists in 31 minutes
- Sixers @ Nets: 3 points (1/4 FG, 0/3 3PT), 1/2 FT, 6 rebounds, 2 steals in 26 minutes
Yabusele’s season averages: 9.8 points (50.7% FG, 39.5% 3PT), 67.8% FT, 5.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.4 blocks in 24.1 minutes
# Tidjane Salaün (Charlotte Hornets)
Tidjane is slowly integrating into the Hornets’ rotation, but his shooting confidence seems to be lacking. Recent stats don’t do him any favors as he’s been ranking among the league’s lower performers. The talent is there; he just needs to unlock it.
- Hornets vs Bulls: 3 points (1/6 FG, 1/3 3PT), 8 rebounds, 2 assists in 17 minutes
- Hornets @ Pistons: 9 points (4/7 FG, 0/3 3PT), 1/3 FT, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 steals in 19 minutes
Tidjane’s season averages: 5 points (32.7% FG, 29.2% 3PT), 66.7% FT, 4.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.2 blocks in 19.2 minutes
# Nicolas Batum (Los Angeles Clippers)
The original glue guy is still making noise in the NBA, earning wins for his squad with plenty of hustle and smarts. Batum’s presence is invaluable to the Clippers, regardless of his stat line.
- Clippers @ Pelicans: 3 points (1/1 3PT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals in 20 minutes
- Clippers @ Spurs: 0 points (0/1 3PT), 3 rebounds in 13 minutes
- Clippers @ Thunder: 0 points (0/1 3PT), 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal in 16 minutes
Batum’s season averages: 3.4 points (38.4% FG, 38.3% 3PT), 76.9% FT, 2.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.4 blocks in 18.3 minutes
# Moussa Diabaté (Charlotte Hornets)
Moussa made a brief stop in the G League this past week, dominating against less seasoned players. He’s showcasing what he’s capable of, proving he’s ready for more time on the big stage.
- Hornets vs Bulls: 3 rebounds in 9 minutes
- Hornets @ Pistons: DNP (Did Not Play)
Moussa’s season averages in the NBA: 3.4 points (60.5% FG, 44% FT), 6.8 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.7 blocks in 17.9 minutes
- Greensboro Swarm vs Cleveland Charge: 26 points (9/9 FG, 8/9 FT), 14 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks in 36 minutes
Moussa’s G League season averages: 26 points (100% FG, 80% FT), 14 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks in 36 minutes
# Rayan Rupert (Portland Trail Blazers)
It might be time for Rayan to hit the G League for more consistent play. A couple of DNPs recently show he’s not getting the minutes he needs to develop.
- Blazers vs Sixers: 0 points (0/1 3PT), 2 rebounds, 1 steal in 8 minutes
- Blazers @ Lakers: DNP
- Blazers @ Bucks: DNP
Rayan’s season averages: 3.2 points (42.6% FG, 29% 3PT), 75% FT, 1.4 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.3 steals, 0.1 blocks in 9.9 minutes
# Ousmane Dieng (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Ousmane is quietly working his way back into the Thunder’s prominent lineup, primarily honing his craft in the G League. It’s a tough climb with the Thunder’s strong roster, but he shows promise.
- Thunder vs Grizzlies: 0 points (0/2 FG, 0/1 3PT), 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal in 5 minutes
- Thunder vs Wolves: DNP
- Thunder vs Clippers: 2 points (1/1 FG), 1 steal in 3 minutes
- Thunder vs Knicks: DNP
Ousmane’s season averages: 2.9 points (32.3% FG, 23.7% 3PT), 63.6% FT, 2.4 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.2 blocks in 10.2 minutes
- Oklahoma City Blue vs Valley Suns: 11 points (2/14 FG, 2/8 3PT), 5/6 FT, 6 rebounds, 5 assists in 33 minutes
- Oklahoma City Blue vs Valley Suns: 18 points (6/9 FG, 2/3 3PT), 4/4 FT, 4 rebounds, 9 assists in 31 minutes
Ousmane’s G League season averages: 14.5 points (34.8% FG, 36.4% 3PT), 83.3% FT, 5 rebounds, 7 assists in 21 minutes
# Pacôme Dadiet (New York Knicks)
As long as Tom Thibodeau is giving 46 minutes per game to his starters, Pacôme’s chances of getting on the court seem slim. However, when injuries hit later in the season, there might be an opportunity.
- Knicks @ Wizards: DNP
- Knicks vs Jazz: DNP
- Knicks @ Thunder: DNP
- Knicks @ Bulls: DNP
Pacôme’s season averages: 1.6 points (30% FG, 35.7% 3PT), 100% FT, 1.1 rebounds, 0.4 assists, 0.1 steals, 0.2 blocks in 6.8 minutes
- Westchester Knicks vs Indiana Mad Ants: 7 points (3/11 FG, 1/4 3PT), 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks in 38 minutes
- Westchester Knicks vs Delaware Blue Coats: 15 points (4/10 FG, 1/5 3PT), 6/6 FT, 8 rebounds, 1 assist in 39 minutes
- Westchester Knicks @ Grand Rapids Gold: 21 points (8/16 FG, 3/11 3PT), 2/2 FT, 1 assist, 1 block in 38 minutes
Pacôme’s G League season averages: 14.3 points (40.5% FG, 25% 3PT), 100% FT, 5.7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block in 38.5 minutes
# Sidy Cissoko (San Antonio Spurs)
Sidy is finding his stride with several impressive outings in the G League, and fans are curious about what’s next for him in the NBA.
- Spurs @ Wolves: DNP
- Spurs vs Clippers: 2 points (1/2 FG, 0/1 3PT), 1 assist in 6 minutes
- Spurs @ Nuggets: DNP
- Spurs vs Nuggets: DNP
Sidy’s season averages in the NBA: 1.2 points (46.2% FG, 50% 3PT), 0% FT, 0.6 rebounds, 0.5 assists in 3.2 minutes
- Austin Spurs @ Stockton Kings: 26 points (9/22 FG, 1/7 3PT), 7/11 FT, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal in 27 minutes
- Austin Spurs vs Iowa Wolves: 14 points (7/14 FG, 0/4 3PT), 0/1 FT, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 3 blocks in 27 minutes
- Austin Spurs @ Raptors 905: DNP
Sidy’s G League season averages: 23.3 points (52.8% FG, 22.2% 3PT), 53.8% FT, 4.7 rebounds, 3 assists, 0.7 steals, 1 block in 27.9 minutes
# Armel Traoré (Los Angeles Lakers)
Post-holiday rust was evident as Armel returned to G League action; two games in a week certainly help get the engine running again.
- Lakers vs Cavs: DNP
- Lakers vs Blazers: DNP
Armel’s season averages in the NBA: 1.4 points (25% FG, 0% 3PT), 28.6% FT, 2 rebounds, 0.1 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.3 blocks in 7.7 minutes
- South Bay Lakers @ Mexico City Capitanes: 15 points (6/10 FG, 1/4 3PT), 2/4 FT, 8 rebounds, 1 steal in 28 minutes
- South Bay Lakers @ Mexico City Capitanes: 2 points (2/2 FT), 1 rebound in 9 minutes
Armel’s G League season averages: 8.5 points (60% FG, 25% 3PT), 50% FT, 4.5 rebounds, 0.5 steals in 18 minutes
Killian Hayes (Long Island Nets)
Killian is thriving in the G League! His performance is a testament to his potential. For now, we’re just excited to see him excel on the court.
Killian’s G League season averages: 22 points (48.6% FG, 30.8% 3PT), 100% FT, 7.5 rebounds, 7 assists, 3.5 steals, 1 block in 41.6 minutes
This @LongIslandNets duo STUFFED the STAT SHEET tonight in their double-digit win! Killian Hayes scored a career-high 24 points and recorded his second triple-double of the season, adding 6 steals. Drew Timme posted a season-high in scoring, set a career-high in assists, and… pic.twitter.com/hXXKCjQtRn