Victor Wembanyama Erupts for 40 Points as Spurs Crush Mavericks in Cooper Flagg’s Debut
Victor Wembanyama put on a show. A big one. The French prodigy delivered a stunning 40-point, 15-rebound performance on Wednesday night, powering the San Antonio Spurs to a 125–92 demolition of the Dallas Mavericks, following San Antonio’s record-setting season opener.
The night was meant to spotlight No. 1 draft pick Cooper Flagg. But it quickly turned into Wembanyama’s stage.
The 7-foot-4 star looked unstoppable, marking his emphatic return after a season-ending shoulder surgery for deep vein thrombosis. His timing? Impeccable. His dominance? Total.
“Wemby,” as fans affectionately call him, broke a Spurs record for the most points scored in a season opener, and he did it with flair.
The towering Frenchman threw down electrifying dunks, swatted away shots with ease, and even drew fouls that sent Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II to the bench early.
Flagg, just 18, made his largely awaited NBA debut, becoming the youngest player to start in league history, behind LeBron James by just two days.
VICTOR MF WEMBANYAMA
WHAT ARE WE WITNESSING?!
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 23, 2025
The Duke sensation set up the pace of the game, grueling, managing 10 points and 10 rebounds after eventually scoring on the first possession of the second half.
While his stats weren’t eye-catching, there were casts of pledge. His protective trouble and rebounding showed maturity beyond his years, but on this night, the limelight was stolen.
The Spurs seized control interior through the first quarter, thanks in part to Dylan Harper’s spark off the bench.
Harper, the alternate overall pick, tallied 15 points, while reigning Novitiate of the Year Stephon Castle added 22.
Their energy set the tone. A 13 – 0 Spurs run late in the alternate quarter silenced the Dallas crowd. Wembanyama was at the center of it all, pump-faking out of a double team, drawing a foul from Davis, and throwing down a reverse dunk.
Moments later, he hit a silky muumuu as Davis collected his fourth foul.
Anthony Davis led Dallas with 22 points and 13 rebounds, but the loners looked adrift without Kyrie Irving.
The stager guard, recovering from ACL surgery, is still months away from returning, and it showed. The offense demanded meter, the defense demanded answers.
By the fourth quarter, the Spurs were in full control. The game turned into a statement, not just for the Spurs, but for Wembanyama himself.
After a delicate end to his former season, the youthful star sounded eager to remind the league what he’s capable of. His intensity, confidence, and sheer athleticism set the tone for what could be a monster crusade.
San Antonio’s future looks bright. And Wembanyama? He looks ready to lead it.
