Basketball players are not supposed to kick the ball. Victor Wembanyama found a loophole. He waited until the action stopped and then turned the court into a soccer pitch.

It happened as the third quarter wrapped up in San Antonio on Monday night, Nov. 2. With the Spurs well ahead of Utah, the 7-foot-4 star began bouncing the basketball off his feet on his way toward the bench. Then he nudged it over to the nearest official.

That official was Aaron Smith. Instead of grabbing the ball with his hands like most referees would, Smith trapped it with his foot and flicked it up to keep the rally alive. The players watching broke into big grins and the NBA posted the clip within hours.

A goalkeeper at heart

The footwork was not a total surprise from Wembanyama. Growing up near Paris he spent time as a goalkeeper on a youth soccer club. Back in January 2025 he was spotted juggling a small soccer ball on the sideline at a PSG match when the Spurs visited France. The surprise was the referee matching him touch for touch.

Fans online joked that Smith deserved a contract offer from a pro soccer club. Others said it was the best call he made all night.

An easy night at the office

The game itself was never close. San Antonio won 119-97 for its fifth win in a row. Wembanyama only needed 24 minutes to put up 12 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Dylan Harper led the way with 17 points while Stephon Castle added 16.

The Spurs are now 5-2 after losing their first two games. Next up is a home date with Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. Maybe someone should bring a soccer ball just in case.