Takeaways: Wembanyama Returns With A Bang As Spurs Dismantle Mavs On Opening Night
Wemby drops 40 points in a statement win that signals the Spurs’ next step forward.
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.”
