Wembanyama's 40 points power Spurs to 125‑92 rout, spoiling Flagg debut

When Victor Wembanyama poured in 40 points, the San Antonio Spurs turned a routine season opener into a statement win, beating the Dallas Mavericks 125‑92 on Oct. 22, 2025.

The game unfolded at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas as part of the 2025‑2026 NBA season openerAmerican Airlines Center. The night was billed as the debut of the league’s top rookie, Cooper Flagg, but the Spurs’ early firepower left little room for the newcomer’s spotlight.

Why the game mattered

Both franchises entered the 2025‑2026 campaign with lofty expectations. The Spurs, under new head coach Mitch Johnson, hoped to blend veteran savvy with a roster built around a generational talent. Meanwhile, the Mavericks, led by CEO Cynt Marshall and fresh from a pre‑season trade that added Anthony Davis, were eager to prove they could surround the rookie phenom with a defensively stout unit.

Fans expected a tight contest, especially after a razor‑thin 29‑28 first‑quarter edge for Dallas. Instead, the Spurs seized control in the second quarter, outscoring the Mavericks 32‑22 and never looking back.

Game‑by‑game breakdown

First quarter: Dallas nudged ahead by a single point, thanks to a quick two‑bagger from Anthony Davis and a mid‑range jumper by Cooper Flagg. San Antonio answered with a pair of alley‑oop slams from Wembanyama, but the flash‑point was only 29‑28.

Second quarter: The Spurs ratcheted up the pressure. A full‑court zone press, orchestrated by Mitch Johnson, forced Dallas into a string of turnovers. Wembanyama exploded for 14 of his 40 points, while Stephon Castle added 8 points and 4 assists. The quarter closed 61‑50 in San Antonio’s favor.

Third quarter: This is where the game was essentially decided. The Spurs piled on a 33‑21 run, turning a 12‑point halftime lead into a 24‑point gap. Wembanyama’s trademark "tomahawk" dunk—described by commentators as “like playing against your dad in the driveway when you’re eight”—sent the crowd into a frenzy. Meanwhile, Flagg collected his fourth foul and was forced to the bench, limiting his impact for the remainder of the night.

Fourth quarter: Dallas tried to claw back, with Davis hitting a surprisingly steady three‑pointer that briefly narrowed the margin to 105‑92. But the Spurs’ bench, highlighted by R. Nembhard’s 8 points and 5 assists, kept the lead unassailable. The final buzzer confirmed a 125‑92 blowout.

Key statistics and records

• Victor Wembanyama: 40 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks (career‑high scoring night).
• Cooper Flagg: 10 points, 10 rebounds, 1 steal (double‑double in debut).
• Anthony Davis: 22 points, 13 rebounds, 1 three‑pointer (first 20‑point, 10‑rebound game with the Mavericks).
• Spurs shooting: 53% from the field, 42% from three‑point range.
• Mavericks shooting: 38% from the field, 30% from three‑point range.

Reactions from players and coaches

“We came out with a clear game plan and executed it,” Mitch Johnson said in the post‑game interview. “Victor set the tone early, and the rest of the roster just rode his wave.”

Victor Wembanyama was characteristically modest: “I just tried to do what the team asked. The defense gave me space, and the ball found me,” he noted, adding that “the crowd in Dallas was huge, so I wanted to give them a show.”

For the Mavericks, Cynt Marshall emphasized the learning curve: “It’s a rough start, but we have a young core and a veteran leader in Anthony. We’ll regroup and focus on the next few games.”

What this means for the season

The Spurs now sit 1‑0 with a 125‑92 statement win, suggesting they could be a surprise contender in the Western Conference. Wembanyama’s 40‑point outburst puts him among a short list of rookies to score 40+ in a season‑opening game—an exclusive club that includes legends like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.

Conversely, the Mavericks must address glaring defensive lapses. The loss highlighted the need for better transition defense and a more disciplined approach to fouls—Flagg’s early exit after four fouls was a cautionary tale. If they can tighten up, the team’s talent level still promises a competitive season.

What’s next on the schedule

San Antonio’s next test is a road trip to Phoenix on Oct. 25, where they’ll face the Suns, a team known for its fast‑break offense. Meanwhile, Dallas heads back home to host the New York Knicks on Oct. 27, hoping to shake off the embarrassment and give Flagg a chance to bounce back.

Background: Wembanyama’s rise and Flagg’s hype

Victor Wembanyama entered the NBA as the 2023 No. 1 pick, instantly drawing comparisons to the game’s greatest big men. His blend of 7‑foot‑4 height, shooting range, and shot‑blocking ability has redefined expectations for the center position. Over his first two seasons, he’s averaged 23.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game, but the 40‑point night marks his highest single‑game output to date.

Cooper Flagg, meanwhile, was the first overall selection in the 2025 draft after a standout two‑year stint at the University of Kentucky, where he averaged 18.2 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks. He was heralded as a “once‑in‑a‑generation” talent, with analysts projecting him as a future Defensive Player of the Year. His double‑double debut, while modest in comparison to Wembanyama’s fireworks, still signals that the Mavericks have a cornerstone to build around.