Paris 2024 Olympics: “We remembered the way they laughed”, Wembanyama reveals the motivation of the Blues against Germany in the semi-final

Victor Wembanyama va vivre une finale olympique pour ses premiers Jeux. MAXPPP – Alexandre MARCHI

Victor Wembanyama et les Bleus se sont qualifiés pour la finale olympique après avoir battu l’Allemagne (73-69). "Une prise de conscience" pour la star des Bleus.

After your defeat against Germany, what changed tonight ?

Victor Wembanyama: What has changed is that we have become aware of ourselves. What changed was that we understood each other a little better. By using all our tools and avoiding the mistakes our adversaries wanted us to make. It’s normal for a team to grow throughout a tournament like this.

This week hasn't been the best for you in shooting. How did you overcome this ?

V. W. : I will continue to shoot. During a tournament like this, we don't have much time to practice. I know that in important moments, my shot is always there, so it will be fine. The shot, the most important, is always the next one. I am a shooter. I know that I didn't have the address that I wanted.

What did you say to yourself before and during the match ?

V.W.: Of course, there were a lot of tactical instructions from the coaches. There was excellent scouting this morning and yesterday from the coaching staff. Among us players, we remembered how they were laughing in the last game. How easy it was for them. I'm sure that losing that game in the group stage helped us a lot today.

You were talking about the physical challenge that the Germans gave you. How did you respond to it ?

V.W. : The physical challenge they imposed on us lasted 7-10 minutes in the first quarter. After that, we imposed our physical challenge. That was the key to the match.

Can you tell us a word about Isaïa Cordinier ?

V.W. : It's huge for Isaïa. When I see his performances, the first thing that comes to mind is how I saw him working inside. The year before I really started playing pro, he was a model of work. The hard work he put in every day, it was just unbelievable. I'm very happy to see it pay off. These last two games, they're definitely two of the biggest of his career so far.

You know the NBA well. How do you see this final that is looming against the United States ?

I am one of those who knows the NBA well. It is FIBA ​​basketball. Knowledge of the game is very important. It is not the NBA game. We will have to base ourselves on our identity.