Wemby went 1-for-4 in the second quarter as the Clippers ramped up their intensity on defense against him. Devin Vasell took over for Wembanyama and delivered nine points and one assist in the period. San Antonio surrendered the lead to trail 67-60 at halftime.

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.

Fame and experience ruled the day in the NBA all-star starters vote announced last week. The ballot’s three toughest calls went to the old guard: LeBron James outdrew Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant squeaked past Victor Wembanyama,