The San Antonio Spurs touched down in Paris as clear underdogs against the high-powered Indiana Pacers, a team that had been firing on all cylinders lately. Searching for some much-needed consistency, they took to the floor under the bright lights of the Accor Arena and delivered one of their most complete performances of the season, cruising to a dominant win that highlighted their focus and resilience.

Despite the buzz and distractions of the big event overseas trip, head coach Mitch Johnson set the tone early, making it clear that the Spurs were there for business.

“At the end of the day, it’s a business trip, and we’re all here to do a job,” Johnson said before the game. “We want to make sure everybody enjoys the trip, has some personal time but now that the games are here and we’ve been preparing for them, this is why we’re here.”

And the Spurs didn’t just win – they made history. San Antonio became only the third team in NBA history to shoot over 60% from the field, 50% from beyond the arc, and 100% from the free-throw line in a single game, joining the Oklahoma City Thunder (November 2023) and the Golden State Warriors (December 2017) in pulling off the rare feat. Their offensive efficiency was a testament to their crisp ball movement and unselfish play, racking up a staggering 43 assists on the night.

“Our identity is versatility on offense,” Johnson said. “Different guys, different nights, making different plays and making plays for each other. It’s a testament to not just passing, but screening, spacing, and rolling after you screen.”

The energy inside Bercy was electric, with tens of thousands of fans packing the arena to witness Victor Wembanyama’s highly anticipated homecoming. The French phenom didn’t disappoint, delivering a standout performance on both ends of the court. Veteran point guard Chris Paul, a player who’s seen it all in his storied career, had high praise for Wembanyama’s showing.

“I told Vic after the game, this is one of the best complete games I’ve seen him play all season,” Paul said. “With all the expectations – being home, playing in front of his family and friends, and all of you guys – some players might get lost in the moment. But he stayed locked in and played great on both ends.”

For Wembanyama, the night was special, but he remained composed, channeling the energy from the crowd into his game. Teammate Harrison Barnes could sense his confidence even before tipoff.

“I knew he was going to play well when he took control of the playlist and wanted to play his own music – French music,” Barnes said with a grin. “With all the excitement, family, and friends around, he stayed poised. He did a great job making us better as a team.”

On the defensive end, the Spurs locked in and made life tough for the Pacers. Wembanyama’s impact was especially evident in the third quarter when he swatted three shots on consecutive possessions and nearly came up with a fourth. Johnson pointed to Wembanyama’s ability to dominate by focusing on the fundamentals.

“When he locks in on the little things and the fundamentals of the game, it’s absolutely spectacular,” Johnson said. “And when he embraces that, it’s a scary stretch for opponents. He had one of those stretches tonight.”

But this trip is about more than just what happens on the court. Johnson spoke about how the time spent together overseas can help build team chemistry.

“When you grow closer off the court, it can show up on the court,” he said.

Chris Paul echoed that sentiment but made it clear that winning remains the ultimate focus.

“For us, it’s all about stacking days,” Paul said. “How can we keep putting wins together? We’ve had so many games where we’re right there, and then we have a bad stretch. These games are like the playoffs – you play, get a day off, and then play again. It’s a learning experience.”

“We’re just trying to put together more consistent minutes and stretches throughout the 48,” Johnson said. “If we do that, we’ll be in a place that meets our standards.”

With one win in the books and another game left on their Paris trip, the Spurs have shown they can rise to the occasion. If they can bring this momentum back to the U.S., they might start turning some heads.

For more breaking news and analysis about the Spurs, follow Dusty Garza on X and join over forty thousand Spurs fans as they discuss NBA and Spurs basketball 24/7 at SpursReport on Facebook.