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.

After the game, Chris Paul spoke about Wembanyama when he met with the media. Paul: "I can't imagine what it was like for Vic to come back home and play. I know he was so excited.

Officially, Indiana will be the home team on the scoreboard when it plays San Antonio in Paris on Thursday. The Pacers know better.

There were a slew of moments that made Frenchman Victor Wembanyama's trip back to Paris this week worth remembering.

Victor Wembanyama's second NBA game in Paris ended in a loss Saturday as Tyrese Haliburton led the Indiana Pacers to a 136-98 win against the San Antonio Spurs.Despite the defeat Saturday, Wembanyama's return to Paris has confirmed his growing status as one of the NBA's biggest names at just 21 years of age.