Victor Wembanyama returned from shoulder surgery with a roar, scoring 40 points with 15 rebounds and three blocks as San Antonio crushed Dallas 125-92 in the season opener. The 7-foot-4 2024 Rookie of the Year powered a 13-0 burst and seven dunks while Spurs dominated the paint and shooting. Top pick Cooper Flagg’s much-hyped debut yielded 10 points and 10 rebounds on 4-of-13, as Wembanyama repeatedly attacked Anthony Davis, who joined Dallas in February. Coach Mitch Johnson praised Wembanyama’s assertiveness; Flagg and Jason Kidd said they would learn and move on. Kyrie Irving’s ACL recovery keeps him out for months.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.