Victor Wembanyama drops 40 points in return as Spurs secure victory

Victor Wembanyama made a thunderous return to the court Wednesday night, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a commanding 125-92 win over the Dallas Mavericks. The 7-foot-3 Frenchman, who hadn’t played an NBA game in more than eight months, displayed a stunning combination of athleticism and polish. His highlight of the night came on a pump fake that sent P.J. Washington flying before Wembanyama threw down a reverse windmill dunk, igniting the Spurs bench. More than just flair, he delivered production—40 points, 15 rebounds, three blocks, no turnovers, and 70% shooting—becoming the first player since 1977-78 to record such a stat line in a season opener. After the game, Wembanyama reflected on his growth, noting how a physically and mentally demanding summer helped him regain control and confidence in his body.

From the opening tip, Wembanyama dismantled Dallas’ frontcourt, scoring 11 points in the first quarter alone. His combination of finesse and power was on full display as he dunked over defenders, hit step-back threes, and orchestrated plays with rookie teammate Dylan Harper. Second-year guard Stephon Castle also played a key role, building on the chemistry the duo developed during offseason workouts. Together, Castle and Wembanyama either scored or assisted on 42 of the Spurs’ first-half points. Their connection, Castle explained, came from extensive film study and reps designed to perfect timing in pick-and-rolls and transition plays. By halftime, San Antonio had established control, leading by nine, and never looked back.

In the second half, Wembanyama’s dominance continued. He opened the third quarter with a series of blocks, rebounds, and a four-point play that stretched the Spurs’ lead to double digits. Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg called the performance “something I’ve never seen before,” acknowledging how difficult it was to contain him. With the game in hand, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson pulled Wembanyama early in the fourth quarter after he hit a fadeaway jumper to put San Antonio up by 30. Reflecting on the journey back from his health scare earlier in the year, Wembanyama said the performance felt like a culmination of months of hard work and perseverance. “It felt like we built something brick by brick,” he said. “Tonight was proof that all the effort was worth it—and that we’re ready for what’s next.”