The story, as Buford tells it, goes like this: Claudio Crippa, an international scout for the Spurs, proposed going to see a youth game before checking out Doumbouya. Buford saw Wembanyama play for the first time that day. And the seeds for the Spurs’ new master plan were immediately planted.

The Spurs signed veteran point guard and all-time great Chris Paul this summer for a one-year deal. The main reason for the signing was simply to offer Wembanyama a steady hand both on and off the court, although Paul, like Wembanyama, values winning above all else.

While Wembanyama was kept in relative check on Saturday, his thundrous performance on Thursday featured 30 points on 13-for-21 shooting, 11 rebounds, six assists, five blocks, and one steal. Safe to say, the fans got their money’s worth.