Watch: Steph Curry tips off against Victor Wembanyama

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr sent out Curry, a point guard not known for his leaping ability, to match up with the San Antonio Spurs’ No. 1 pick in the circle. Curry missed the ball by about nine inches.

The move was clearly designed to entertain Kerr’s old mentor, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. Coach Pop is known for doing his own pranks, like when he intentionally fouled Shaquille O’Neal five seconds into the 2008-09 season.

O’Neal had complained about the Spurs’ use of the Hack-a-Shaq technique in the previous year’s playoffs, so Popovich trolled him by doing it right away in the season opener.

The joke may have been on Kerr, as Wembanyama destroyed the Warriors early. In seven minutes, the French big man scored 12 points, blocked three shots and had a steal. And one opening tip.

On one play, he blocked Andrew Wiggins and sank a three on the other end.

On another, he blocked Klay Thompson’s three-pointer and ran the floor for an easy dunk.

Take heed, NBA coaches. Wembanyama does not appreciate your jokes.