Takeaways: Wembanyama Returns With A Bang As Spurs Dismantle Mavs On Opening Night

DALLAS – The storylines entering Wednesday night in Dallas revolved around the Mavericks’ youth movement — the much-anticipated debut of Cooper Flagg, the buzz of a sold-out crowd at the American Airlines Center, were ready for a glimpse of the future.

By the end of the night, that future looked French.

Victor Wembanyama’s return to the NBA court wasn’t gradual. It was dominant, and at times unfair. The 7-foot-4 forward erupted for 40 points and 15 rebounds, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 125-92 blowout win over the Mavericks in their season opener.

For a team that spent much of last season dealing with injuries, this was a glimpse of what happens when all that chemistry starts to cook something special.

“[I was] much more in control of myself,” Wembanyama told reporters after the game. “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. So I’m not taking this for granted anymore. The body? 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.”

Wembanyama sets the tone early

From the opening tip, Wembanyama dictated every possession. He scored on a fadeaway jumper over Dereck Lively II, followed two possessions later by a coast-to-coast dunk that left Dallas fans with their mouths open.

Midway through the second quarter, he caught an alley-oop from Stephon Castle, twisted midair, and flushed it in reverse — a highlight that sent the Spurs’ bench into disbelief.

Wembanyama’s 40 points broke the franchise’s opening-night scoring record, previously held by George Gervin (39 points in 1977). But beyond the numbers, it was the control of pace, the defensive rotations, and the quiet understanding that the Spurs’ offense runs wherever he wants it to.

“We needed to make a statement,” Wembanyama said. “We’re all tired of losing, and that’s the truth.”

Castle looks like a veteran in year two

If last season was Stephon Castle’s introduction, this was the first night he looked like the Wemby’s co-star.

The reigning Rookie of the Year finished with 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, attacking closeouts, setting up Wembanyama on pick-and-rolls, and frustrating Flagg defensively.

He played with authority — not trying to outshine Wembanyama, but elevating him. The duo’s chemistry, evident in flashes last spring, now feels foundational.

Castle’s physicality was equally important. Against Dallas’ smaller guards, he used his 6-6 frame to carve out space in the lane and draw contact. When Wembanyama drew double-teams, Castle punished them by driving inside.

“Having a year under my belt, it kind of settled me in,” Castle said. “I was super confident coming into this game, so I’m happy we played well.”

A different kind of Spurs team

The Spurs’ win wasn’t just about Wembanyama’s performance — it was about how everything around him finally looks cohesive.

The ball moved faster. Defensive rotations were sharper. Castle and Devin Vassell combined for 35 points, turning what had been a developmental roster last season into one that looks ready to compete.

“It’s about patience,” Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson said. “We’ll get there.”

For all the noise around the Mavericks’ new beginning, it was San Antonio’s star who turned opening night into a declaration.

Wembanyama didn’t just return — he reminded everyone what a healthy version of himself means for the Western Conference. And for a Spurs team that spent the past few years learning how to lose before learning how to grow, that might be the biggest development of all.

“It’s early,” Wembanyama said. “But I think we showed what we can be.”

If this was the first step, the rest of the league has been warned.