DALLAS - Despite Victor Wembanyama's rough shooting effort, he gained praise from a four-time champion on Thursday. Following the San Antonio Spurs' 120-109 loss at Dallas Mavericks, Klay Thompson commended the young center despite Wemby's abysmal performance on opening night.

When asked in postgame media availability what it felt like being a part of Dallas holding Wembanyama to a 5-of-18 shooting performance, Thompson emphasized the Spurs center's positive aspects rather than boasting about the Mavericks' impressive defensive outing.

"He's the future of this league, obviously, and he does things that no player can really do, especially being able to get it off the rim," Thompson said. "But he had some good looks ...

"I mean, it's incredible what he can do."

Although Wembanyama had a rough outing, in addition to the poor shooting, he couldn't control the ball, coughing it up on four possessions.

Yet, even after a miserable night from Wembanyama and a magical night from Thompson (who scored 22 in his debut while hitting 6-for-10 from beyond the arc), the four-time NBA champion - who this year jumped from Golden State to Dallas - took the high road instead of the low-hanging fruits.

Wembanyama won't have such poor performances every night, especially against the Mavericks. Thompson's anti-prisoner-of-the-moment attitude bodes well for a championship-level team that understands the importance of gamesmanship against a division rival.

Related: Spurs Can't Hang With Mavericks in Season Opener

But in the end? Although Wembanyama doesn't require praise, having it come from a future Hall of Fame champion represents the NBA's respect for the French star.