On Thursday in Paris, the Indiana Pacers gave Frenchman Victor Wembanyama and his San Antonio Spurs all they could handle... for about one half of their first of two classes in the All-Defensive First Team center's home country.

The win allowed the Pacers to split the two-game series while showcasing the brilliance of their young star, Tyrese Haliburton, who turned in an outstanding performance. Haliburto

It won't happen, and nobody knows when — or if — Popovich will be back on the Spurs' sideline. Popovich's absence is a glaring one in Paris this week for the pair of NBA matchups between the Pacers and Spurs on Thursday and Saturday; he's back home, recovering from a November stroke.

On Thursday, the Indiana Pacers lost the first of their two games in Paris against the San Antonio Spurs, falling 140-110. Victor Wembanyama, cheered on by his hometown crowd, scored 30 points and blocked five shots in a dominant two-way performance.

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle looks up at the screen to watch a replay video Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, during an NBA game between the Indiana Pacers and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. / Grace Smith/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

The Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs were in the City of Lights for the 2025 NBA Paris Games this month. How did they do?

They’ve seen the Eiffel Tower. They’ve had great food. They’ve enjoyed some of the best that Paris has to offer.

If Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle is going to remember anything from his Paris trip, it is not the iconic landmarks, but the adrenaline rush he experienced with the police escort to the Accor Arena for an NBA game against the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday.

Victor Wembanyama’s standout play for the San Antonio Spurs this season has already caught the attention of NBA insiders, with a rival head coach predicting that the young French center will earn a significant honor this year.

Tyrese Haliburton scored 28 points in the Pacers' win over the Spurs in Paris on Saturday after scoring 13 in their loss to San Antonio on Thursday.

Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle recalls an adrenaline-pumping police escort through Paris, overshadowing the NBA game experience. Despite the loss to the Spurs, the unforgettable ride remains the highlight.

PARIS (AP) — The final tally for Victor Wembanyama's trip in Paris: two games, 50 points, 23 rebounds, eight assists, six blocks, two courts dedicated, one trip to the Eiffel Tower, a Fashion Week appearance, a Champions League match attended and about a million high-fives.