In an electrifying Olympic debut, Victor Wembanyama stole the show as France triumphed over Brazil in a thrilling Group B game at the Paris Olympics. Despite the absence of traditional opening ceremony festivities, the towering 7-foot-4 basketball prodigy dazzled the sold-out crowd with his exceptional skills and led his team to a 78-66 victory on Saturday.

Wembanyama, the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year for the San Antonio Spurs, proved why he is a force to be reckoned with on the court. He made an immediate impact, contributing 19 points, nine rebounds, four steals, and three blocked shots. His stellar performance ignited hopes of a gold medal for the French team and left the fans in awe.

The home crowd played a significant role in the triumph, with their unwavering support acting as the crucial sixth man for the French team. Wembanyama acknowledged the power of the crowd, stating, "You can't underestimate the power of the crowd, the home crowd. I think it's really going to be the sixth man for this whole tournament."

The opening game against Brazil marked the official Olympic debut for Wembanyama and his teammates. The French squad chose to skip the traditional opening ceremony in Paris the previous night to focus on preparing for the crucial match. The team wanted to ensure sufficient rest and avoid any disruptions caused by the vandalism that had disrupted travel in the area.

Despite a slow start, France gradually found their rhythm, and Wembanyama played a pivotal role in turning the tide of the game. The Brazilian team struggled to contain him, as he showcased his versatility and dominance on both ends of the court. Teammate Evan Fournier praised Wembanyama's performance, saying, "I think he did pretty damn good. He can do so many things that sometimes it's like a burden because he doesn't focus on just one thing."

Wembanyama's standout moments came in the second quarter when he repeatedly posted up on the right block, displaying his impeccable scoring ability. The game remained tightly contested until the final moments, with Nicolas Batum's pivotal three-pointer and Wembanyama's alley-oop dunk securing the victory for France.

With their first win in the bag, France now looks ahead to their next matchup against Japan on Tuesday. A victory in that game would secure their place in the quarterfinals and keep their medal aspirations alive. Center Rudy Gobert emphasized the significance of the win, stating, "It's huge to get the first one... We have very high expectations for our team, very high goals. We know how each game matters."

The anticipation and excitement surrounding Wembanyama were palpable throughout Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, well before the game began. Fans anxiously awaited the opportunity to capture images of the young star representing the host country's Olympic delegation. Wembanyama did not disappoint, starting his warmups with a casual half-court shot, setting the stage for a memorable performance.

As the first victory is secured, France's basketball team and their talisman Wembanyama now set their sights on further success in the Paris Olympics 2024.