By Chalien Dantes

Victor Wembanyama lit up opening night with a 40-point explosion as the San Antonio Spurs crushed the Dallas Mavericks 125–92.

Back on court for the first time since shoulder surgery in February, the 21-year-old French sensation looked every bit the superstar, showing no signs of the long layoff and delivering the fifth 40-point game of his young career.

While Wembanyama dominated, all eyes were also on 18-year-old Cooper Flagg, the top pick in the 2025 draft and Dallas’s great hope for the future. Making his NBA debut, Flagg became the second-youngest starter in league history, just behind LeBron James, but the nerves showed early. He went scoreless in the first half before finding a rhythm later to finish with 10 points.

By halftime, Wembanyama already had 21 points and looked completely in control, swatting shots, draining jumpers, and reminding everyone why he’s one of the most exciting players in basketball. The Spurs looked sharp and confident, while Dallas’s much hyped rookie found out just how steep the NBA learning curve can be.