Victor Wembanyama Balances Basketball Dominance with Chess and Community Engagement

The Spurs star led his team to victory over the Nets before hosting a rainy-day chess meetup in New York City, showcasing his versatility on and off the court.

Victor Wembanyama scored 19 points, with seven rebounds and six blocks, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 96-87 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night.
Following the game, Wembanyama invited fans on social media to join him for a chess meetup at Washington Square Park, where he played four games, winning two and losing two, despite rainy conditions.
Wembanyama proposed an NBA players-only chess tournament with proceeds benefiting the charity of the winner's choice, highlighting his interest in combining sportsmanship and philanthropy.
The 20-year-old French star also gained attention for swapping jerseys with a young fan after the game, further solidifying his reputation for connecting with his community.
Wembanyama, in his second NBA season, is averaging 25.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, and a league-leading 4.0 blocks per game, continuing to cement his status as one of the league's brightest talents.