The San Antonio Spurs blew out the Dallas Mavericks in their season opener on the back of Victor Wembanyama. In his first game since last February, the third-year center racked up 40 points and 15 rebounds without turning the ball over a single time.
He took only two shots from behind the arc, as well. Last year, he was a league-average shooter who relied on his outside shot a bit too much. In his season debut, he managed to barrel through defenders and get to his spot. He used his 3-point shot only as a final nail in the coffin.
Wembanyama has long been urged to focus on his interior game. Against the Mavericks, he showcased his ability to dominate.
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)
Victor Wembanyama Made Necessary Change
Last season, 47% of Wembanyama’s shot attempts came from behind the arc. Against the Mavericks, only nine percent of his shots were from deep.
Of course, when you can force Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II off you, scoring at the basket instead of from distance is easy. Keep in mind, Davis and Lively II are excellent defenders, and he tossed them around like ragdolls.
Fans can expect to see more of that as he goes up against weaker defenders.
“He is an inside-out player now,” said ESPN’s Tim MacMahon on the Hoop Collective podcast. “And he is a dominant big man who can shoot 3s, not a seven-foot-several guard that he’s kind of played as.”
The Spurs ran the offense largely through Wembanyama, but he didn’t waste much time dancing on the perimeter. He looked focused and able for the first time in his career, not settling for tougher shots.
San Antonio Spurs Enjoyed ‘Shocking’ Performance
How many defenders are better equipped to handle Wembanyama than Anthony Davis? Giannis Antetokounmpo and Evan Mobley, sure, but after that? Rudy Gobert and Ivica Zubac aren’t mobile enough, and Lu Dort and Herb Jones don’t have the size.
Davis is a top-three Wemby stopper in the league, and Lively II isn’t a slouch, either. In the end, it didn’t really matter.
“It was shocking to see how awful he made Anthony Davis look,” added Tim Bontempts. “Anthony Davis has been one of the best interior defenders in the league, and one of the best defenders in the league, for a decade. And he made Anthony Davis look like he might as well have not even been on the court. It was shocking.”
The Spurs entered the season with fringe playoff hopes. After the first game, Wembanyama looks like an MVP candidate, and the Spurs have suddenly found themselves at the front of the pack, with very real title hopes.
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