By Mallory Mattingly
San Antonio Spurs center Bismack Biyombo sat on the bench most of the season behind French basketball star Victor Wembanyama. But Biyombo didn’t let that stop him from being a pivotal player for the Spurs this year.
The Spurs beat the tough Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals, putting the Spurs back into the Finals for the first time since 2014.
In the third quarter of Game 7, the game was tied at 63. Wembanyama walked to Biyombo and leaned on him, while Biyombo gave Wembanyama the advice needed to win the game.
After the win, Biyombo shared a video on his personal Instagram page about a dream he had of the Spurs winning the Western Conference Finals, Wembanyama being named the MVP and the two celebrating in the locker room.
“I got to the facility for practice, the first person I saw was Vic, and I told him, I said, ‘This is strange. I somehow had a dream where you were the MVP, and we were in a locker room celebrating drinking beer.’ So why am I telling you this story? Because I have this peace of mind and faith, obviously my faith has been everything to my life, and I believe that after Saturday, we are going to be going to the Finals,” Biyombo declared.
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“We’re going to win at home, we’re going to go into OKC and win. And then we’re going to go to the finals and take care of our business,” he added. “So, God is great. Have faith, keep believing. Tomorrow is going to be a new day, a new opportunity. The sun is gonna rise, and we’re gonna keep living, because God is great, and I’m loving my life right now.”
Biyombo keeps his faith central to his life; a big reason for that is the example his late father set.
“As we put you away today, I wanted to thank you, Dad, for all that you have done for me — you were the first person to believe in your kids when no one could see it! I also thank you for opening a bigger place in my heart for mom, my brothers and sisters!” Biyombo wrote on social media after his dad passed away in 2021. “Thanks to all my family, friends and doctors who were in this fight with us to give him the best chance.”
“I’m at lost of words on how to thank you,” the center continued. “Today I’m crying not of sadness but joy because Dad, you were able to walk this walk with your kids — I will forever be grateful for just having you and you only! You represent what a real man represents — you were my friend, mentor, business partner, advisor, and more — so now know this, you don’t have to do anything or worry — you didn’t leave mom with kids, you left her with friends!
“Rest easy and I will take it from here and enjoy what you are about to witness — love you, Dad! Forever in my heart, this is not a goodbye — rather say see you soon! People called you president, and I was here to make sure you left like one. So let us finish this painting for you!” Biyombo concluded.
Game 2 of the NBA Finals will be tomorrow night, where the New York Knicks will play on the Spurs’ home court once again. After Game 2, Games 3 and 4 will be played at Madison Square Garden, home of the Knicks.
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