"RIM, VIC!" STEPHON CASTLE screamed, streaking down the floor with 8:28 left in the second quarter of the San Antonio Spurs' season-opening win in Dallas.
"Rim! Rim! Rim!"
Almost on cue, Victor Wembanyama pushed off with his right arm against the trailing Dwight Powell to dig in for one last burst of acceleration to the hoop. A few steps past the center court logo, Castle floated a lob that Wembanyama snatched midair for a reverse two-handed jam.
A whistle quickly pierced the noisy celebration as Dallas called a timeout to regroup.