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

The San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks went head-to-head on Thursday night. There were plenty of storylines heading into the season opener for both the Spurs and Mavs as Chris Paul and Klay Thompson prepared to make their debuts with their new teams.

Whenever the Spurs’ prized big man, Victor Wembanyama, tried to impose himself on the Mavs, their defense smothered his efforts, showcasing a