Victor Wembanyama reacts to Matthew Strazel's clutch 3+1 play and has high praise for the AS Monaco guard: "He represents the slow grind mentality. ... It's a career that deserves a lot of respect so far and for the future."
France was on the brink of a major upset at the Paris 2024 Olympics, but then Matthew Strazel happened. The AS Monaco guard nailed a crucial 3+1 play on France's final possession of the fourth quarter, tying the game against Japan at 84.
| Player of the Game | |
|
EFF
30
|
| Victor Wembanyama | |
| Points | 18 |
| Accuracy | 6-13 |
| Rebounds | 11 |
| Assists | 6 |
The match went into overtime, where NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama scored 8 consecutive points, leading France to a 94-90 victory over the Asian powerhouse.
Strazel's clutch long-range shot left a lasting impression on Wemby, who is known for his own unforgettable plays.
"Even though I know Matthew, it's probably the best shot of his life. It's always a chance to witness this kind of scenario," Wembanyama said of his teammate's miraculous three-pointer and foul that forced the overtime, asked by Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews.
At 21, Strazel had a relatively modest role with AS Monaco last season, averaging 4.4 points, 1.8 assists, and 4.9 PIR in 13 minutes over 17 EuroLeague games.
Yet he made the French Olympic team and outperformed well-known players like Killian Hayes, Elie Okobo, and Theo Maledon.
"He represents the slow grind mentality. He's really taken the slow path, the hard path at the professional level, earning every single one of his minutes," Wembanyama praised.
"And it's paying off. I'm sure in a couple of years, if not a couple of months, he's gonna have a major role in his EuroLeague team," Wemby added. "And he's got all the tools to have a major role here. It's a career that deserves a lot of respect so far and for the future."
Strazel finished the game against Japan with 17 points, while Wembanyama led the team with 18 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 blocks.
Wembanyama scored 8 straight points to start the overtime.
"I had a punch-first approach for overtime, and now that it’s over, I’m glad we did it," Wembanyama said, delighted with France’s tough victory.
His overtime performance inspired MVP chants at the packed Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille.
"It definitely gives me a lot of love and support. I always want to give back, and when they chant MVP during the free throw, the least I can do is make it," Wembanyama responded to the crowd's enthusiasm.
France-Japan highlights:
France Basketball Olympics 2024 schedule
| Game | Time | Date | TV | Score |
| vs. Brazil | 5:15 p.m. CET/11:15 a.m. ET | July 27 | France Télévisions/Peacock | 78-66 |
| vs. Japan | 5:15 p.m. CET/11:15 a.m. ET | July 30 | France Télévisions/Peacock | 94-90 |
| vs. Germany | 9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET | August 2 | France Télévisions/Peacock | TBD |
