In a commanding display of talent and dominance, French basketball phenom Victor Wembanyama led the San Antonio Spurs to a resounding 125-92 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the season opener on Wednesday night. The 7-foot-4 center, who has been eagerly anticipated by fans and analysts alike, put on a show that reminded everyone why he was the first overall pick two years ago. Wembanyama scored an impressive 40 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, leaving an indelible mark on the game and the Dallas crowd.
The game also marked the much-anticipated NBA debut of Cooper Flagg, the Dallas Mavericks’ rookie and this year’s No. 1 overall draft pick. Expectations were sky-high for Flagg, who is just 18 years old and the second-youngest player to start in his debut, only two days older than LeBron James was at his own NBA debut over two decades ago. However, Flagg’s first game was a challenging introduction to the league, as he appeared tentative and struggled to find his rhythm against the formidable Spurs.
Wembanyama’s return to regular-season play came after a significant health setback last year. The French star missed much of the previous season due to deep vein thrombosis, a serious blood clot condition in his shoulder that required surgery and limited him to just 46 games. His comeback was highly anticipated, and he did not disappoint. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson praised Wembanyama’s performance, noting the player’s assertiveness despite being out of action for eight months. “You saw him take the moment and play spectacular,” Johnson said.
From the opening moments, Wembanyama made his presence felt. He executed a series of spectacular plays, including dunks over Flagg, shots taken directly over his defender, and deft dribbling moves that showcased his remarkable skill set. He was responsible for seven of the Spurs’ 12 dunks, and San Antonio dominated inside the paint, outscoring Dallas 68-26 in that area. The Spurs also held a significant edge in shooting efficiency, making 58% of their field goals compared to just 37% for the Mavericks. Wembanyama’s stat line also included three blocks, further underlining his all-around impact on both ends of the floor.
Meanwhile, Cooper Flagg faced a tough baptism by fire. The highly touted rookie managed 10 points and 10 rebounds but struggled with efficiency, shooting 4-for-13 from the field and committing three turnovers. Flagg’s first basket came only at the start of the second half, after a goaltending call against him in the second quarter. Despite flashes of potential, including a near-dunk on a fast break alley-oop from veteran teammate Anthony Davis, Flagg was noticeably quiet in the latter stages of the first half and failed to attempt a shot in the final 22 minutes before halftime.
Veteran Mavericks player Anthony Davis, who joined the team last February in a high-profile trade, empathized with Flagg’s rookie nerves. Davis, a 13-year NBA veteran and five-time All-Defensive Team member, highlighted the pressure that comes with being the No. 1 pick and starting in the season opener. “I’m not sure if it got to him, but it’s first-game jitters when it’s time for the real thing,” Davis said. Flagg himself acknowledged the difficult debut and was candid about his performance. “Not great,” he admitted. “Obviously, didn’t play incredibly well, but we’ve got to move past it, turn our focus and start looking toward Friday against the Washington Wizards.”
The game also underscored the contrasting trajectories of the two young stars. While Flagg struggled to assert himself, Wembanyama was in full control, repeatedly attacking Davis on defense. The Frenchman’s ability to score over and around Davis, a player brought in to bolster Dallas’s defense after the team traded away Luka Dončić, a generational offensive talent in his prime, was particularly telling. Wembanyama’s aggressive play late in the second quarter saw him dunk over Davis before hitting a jumper that drew Davis’s fourth foul—a pivotal moment that shifted momentum firmly in the Spurs’ favor. In the second half, Wembanyama’s smooth dribbling moves culminated in a powerful left-handed slam, further establishing his dominance.
Wembanyama himself reflected on his performance, emphasizing that while