Wembanyama, the 7-foot-4 French sensation and reigning Rookie of the Year, added nine boards and one block to his total. He missed several layups and tap-ins at the rim, was 3-of-16 at one point from the floor, and finished the game just 1-of-8 from 3-point.

Oct 24, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) knocks the ball away from San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama backed Mavericks guard Luka Doncic into the post, hoping to exploit the size mismatch. But as the 7-3 Spurs center spun toward the basket, Doncic stripped the ball clean,