Is NBA basketball doomed? After Victor Wembanyama opened his season with 40 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks in a 33-point win over the Dallas Mavericks, fans seem to think so.
The Mavericks, after all, are good. Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II are excellent defenders. Cooper Flagg is expected to be the next big thing. Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs made them look like children. Not only did he score 40 points in under 30 minutes, but it looked easy.
The Spurs entered the season with playoff hopes. Now, after only one game, fans are buzzing about the Finals, and one key stat suggests they have the very best player in the NBA.
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – OCTOBER 22: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs is defended by Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks during the first half at American Airlines Center on October 22, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Victor Wembanyama’s MVP Odds Shifted
According to FanDuel, Wembanyama boasted distant +1200 odds to +340 after just one game. He leapfrogged over Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo overnight, lagging behind only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
It’s worth noting that Doncic, SGA, and Antetokounmpo all had excellent debuts of their own. Jokic and the Denver Nuggets are yet to kick off their season, taking on the Golden State Warriors on October 23rd.
The fact that his odds improved by nearly fourfold is telling of two things: first of all, the sportbooks seem to think there is a very real possibility that he will win MVP. Second, fans got caught up in the hype during his game and stormed the book’s site, lowering the odds through sheer volume of bets.
If the Spurs can finish in the top six of the standings and simply make the playoffs outright, with Wembanyama dominating on both sides of the ball, it’s safe to say that there is a very real chance he beats Derrick Rose as the youngest MVP ever.
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – OCTOBER 22: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs participates in warmups prior to a game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on October 22, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
San Antonio Spurs Boast Other Stars
Of course, the Spurs are Wembanyama’s show to run. No one would really argue that. However, reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle added 22 points and six assists, looking like an All-Star.
Dylan Harper, the second overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, outplayed Cooper Flagg on offense, scoring 15 points in his debut to Flagg’s 10.
Keldon Johnson was solid off the bench, and Julian Champagnie continued to get to his spots, opening up the floor for Wembanyama. That’s not to mention De’Aaron Fox, the All-Star point guard who missed the game with a hip injury.
That’s right, Wembanyama had the best game of the season thus far without his best teammate.
Expect the Spurs to be a force as the season progresses.
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