Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama Puts Up 40 Points In Opening Night Win Against Mavericks

Prior to tip-off between the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, the spotlight shone on Mavs debutant Cooper Flagg. Alongside the rookie were league veterans Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson, who looked to open their season with a victory at the American Airlines Center.

Victor Wembanyama had different ideas.

Playing in his first regular-season game since February, the 7-foot-4-inch center tallied 40 points and recorded 15 rebounds in the Spurs’ 125-92 season opener victory against Dallas.

The performance, which broke a franchise record for most points in a season opener, highlighted the Frenchman’s improvements made over the offseason.

“[I was] much more in control of myself,” Wembanyama said after the win. “The mind, I’m not worried about [that] because I saw what it’s like to be confronted with potentially losing a lot, whether it’s your career or your health.

“I’m having more fun now that I’m not struggling to move as much. I know I still need to get better, and I’m still going to get better.”

A tight first half saw both sides take turns leading, with the Spurs going on a 15-3 run over the final 3:18 of the second quarter to lead by 11 at halftime. Wembanyama netted 21 points in the first 24 minutes and shot 61% in field goals.

Spurs never trailed after the break, extending to a 33-point advantage by the fourth quarter. The French center continued to dominate on the court with 19 points and seven rebounds in the second half. Wembanyama also recorded zero turnovers in a game for the first time since January 2024.

“It feels like every day we try to lay a brick to build a huge mansion, and it felt like the job was done for the day,” Wembanyama said. “This is what we’ve been working for. This is what we’ve struggled for, for so long, and I just felt like it fits. I felt like I was in my place.”

San Antonio will try to go 2-0 as the team faces the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. The Spurs’ home opener will be on Sunday afternoon against the Brooklyn Nets.

“I was comfortable with the work we put in and with the preparation up to this point,” Wembanyama said. “Now all the dice are thrown in the Western Conference.”