DALLAS — Victor Wembanyama has made a sensational return to the NBA, leaving fans and analysts in awe. The 21-year-old star played his first regular season game after a health scare last season, where a blood clot cut his campaign short in February. In a stunning performance, Wembanyama led the San Antonio Spurs to a commanding 125-92 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on opening night.
Wembanyama's performance was nothing short of extraordinary. He finished the game with an impressive 40 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks in just 30 minutes of play. His shooting accuracy was remarkable, hitting 15-of-21 from the field and 9-of-11 from the free-throw line. This was the highly anticipated "Wemby" that basketball enthusiasts had dreamt of — a colossal, fluid player who effortlessly commanded the court.
After a summer focused on personal growth and overcoming his health challenges, Wembanyama displayed a newfound sense of composure and determination. “I’m much more in control of myself,” he stated. “The mind, I’m not worried about, because I saw what it was 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.” His confidence was palpable, and he emphasized, “The body, I’m having more fun.”
Scouts and commentators were quick to sing his praises. According to The Athletic, scouts at the game were already considering him for MVP status. ESPN analyst Jay Bilas likened watching Wembanyama to witnessing Tiger Woods hitting a golf ball — if Woods were 7-foot-5. He joined the legendary Tim Duncan as the only Spurs player to achieve the milestone of over 30 points and 10 rebounds in a season opener, a feat that has only been accomplished by a select few since 1977-78.
Wembanyama's statistical output was impressive, but the manner in which he accumulated these numbers was equally jaw-dropping. From impossible dunks to unstoppable shots and surprising blocks, he left no stone unturned in his efforts to dominate the game. His presence on the court overshadowed the anticipated matchup between the top two draft picks, with Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper struggling to make their mark until the latter stages of the game.
As the game progressed, Wembanyama’s relentless shot-making widened the gap between the Spurs and Mavericks, ultimately sealing Dallas's fate. His array of powerful dunks and improved perimeter scoring showcased his versatility. A particularly memorable moment came when he blocked Dereck Lively III and immediately followed up with a step-back four-point play, thrilling fans and cementing his status as a game-changer.
Wembanyama's physical aggression was evident, especially in a standout play where he drove past Anthony Davis, one of the league’s premier defenders, and executed a powerful dunk. His ability to balance aggression with patience opened up opportunities for his teammates as well. Coach Mitch Johnson emphasized the importance of embracing simplicity during a timeout, highlighting how Wembanyama’s willingness to pass out of double teams led to easy scoring opportunities.
Flagg and Harper, the other top draft picks, eventually found their rhythm, but it was clear that Wembanyama's commanding performance set the tone for the game. Harper finished with 15 points, while Flagg recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, yet struggled with his shooting efficiency.
This decisive victory was a strong statement for the Spurs, proving that an offense spearheaded by Wembanyama can thrive even in the absence of starting point guard De’Aaron Fox. Wembanyama expressed the urgency for the Spurs to elevate their game, stating, “It feels like it’s time for the Spurs to move on to the next step and we need to make a statement. Because we’re all tired of losing. That’s the truth.”
Stephon Castle noted that the game reflected the Spurs' growth as a cohesive unit throughout the preseason. With Victor Wembanyama on the roster, the team appears poised for a successful season, and the excitement surrounding his return has undoubtedly set high expectations for the future.
