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.

Tyrese Haliburton's 3-point barrage and the Pacers' full-court pressure helped Indiana beat the Spurs by 38 in Paris after Thursday's 30-point loss.

I just want to underline that this week was amazing,” Spurs star Victor Wembanyama said after Saturday's game versus the Pacers.