Mavericks use viral tactic in preparation for Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama

The Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs wrapped up their final preseason games on Friday. Dallas got their first preseason win, as Kyrie Irving, Josh Green, and Dereck Lively II each scored double-digit points.

The Spurs, on the other hand, finished up the preseason with a win over the Golden State Warriors. Rookie Victor Wembanyama had 19 points and five blocks in under 21 minutes.

This preseason, the Spurs rookie averaged 19.25 points, 2.75 blocks, and 4.75 rebounds per game. He also shot 50 percent from the field.

The expectation is that Vembanyama will be the front-runner for Rookie of the Year. Assuming that's the case, the Mavs will have a tough challenge on Wednesday.

However it seems as though Dallas is already preparing to face the Spurs center.

Coach God Shammgod worked with the team Saturday to prepare for the 7-foot-3 center by using artificial arms to contest players' shots.

Shammgod attached long pads to his arms and yelled "Wemby," as he helped players prepare for Wednesday's game.

Former Mav Reggie Bullock knows the type of impact Wembanyama can have. On Wednesday, the Spurs rookie put Bullock on skates as he crossed over the Houston Rockets guard and dribbled the ball between his legs.

If Dallas hopes to slow down the 7-foot-3 center, it will be up to the Mavs' centers. This is a challenge Lively II is not afraid of. During a recent interview with Mark Followill and Studio 41, the Mavs' rookie expressed his desire to "do the dirty work." Lively II also talked about how he is looking forward to the "battle" between himself and Wembanyama.

Other players like Dwight Powell and Richaun Holmes may also be called up to slow down Wembanyama.

The Mavs must contain Wembanyama if they want to have a fighting chance on Wednesday.

Last season, Wembanyama played for the Metropolitans 92 in France. During his final season with the team, he averaged 21.6 points per game, with 10.4 rebounds and 3.1 blocks.

Coach Jason Kidd spoke about the hype around the Spurs' rookie. He mentioned that he hadn't seen anything like him since LeBron James.

There is also optimism in Dallas. NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, Josh Giddy, and Wembanyama all took part in a 2K video, where they predicted Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player, MVP, and NBA Champion. Shaq went out on a limb, selecting Dallas to win it all.

If Dallas hopes to make Shaq's prediction come true, then the team needs to get off to a hot start. This begins Wednesday when the Mavs face off against Wembanyama and the Spurs.

Can the Mavericks utilize what they learned in practice? Will Dallas be able to slow down Wembanyama and win their first game of the season?

We'll have you covered with all the latest news on the Dallas Mavericks this season as they begin their year against the Spurs, so stay tuned.