DALLAS — Victor Wembanyama returned from a blood clot scare and detonated opening night, pouring in 40 points with 15 rebounds and three blocks in 30 minutes as the Spurs routed the Mavericks 125-92. He shot 15-of-21 and 9-of-11 at the line, joining Tim Duncan in franchise season‑opener lore and becoming the fourth player since 1977-78 to post 40-15 without a turnover. Scouts floated MVP talk as he strung together soaring dunks, a block-and-4-point sequence, and patient reads. Rookies Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper flashed late, but San Antonio’s offense thrived—even without De’Aaron Fox.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.