Victor Wembanyama returned to the NBA spotlight in stunning fashion, exploding for 40 points to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a commanding 125–92 win over the Dallas Mavericks on opening night.
Making his first appearance since undergoing shoulder surgery for deep vein thrombosis in February, the 21-year-old French phenom looked sharper, stronger, and more confident than ever.
He shot an impressive 15-of-21 from the field, grabbed 15 rebounds, and added three blocks in a dominant all-around display that left the Mavericks helpless.
It was a reminder of why Wembanyama is already being hailed as a generational talent. His combination of size, mobility, and now added physicality made him virtually unstoppable inside, as he bullied defenders at the rim and controlled the paint defensively.
“All dreams are allowed now,” Wembanyama said afterward. “I’m just glad to be back.”
His 40 points set a new Spurs franchise record for the most in a season opener, eclipsing the previous mark with a performance that electrified the home crowd.
He comfortably outplayed Dallas forward Anthony Davis, who led the Mavericks with 22 points and 13 rebounds but struggled to contain the 7-foot-4 star.
Reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle offered strong support with 22 points, while Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg endured a rough debut, scoreless in the first half before rallying for a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double.
Elsewhere on opening night, Philadelphia’s VJ Edgecombe delivered a historic debut, scoring 34 points in the 76ers’ thrilling 117–116 win over Boston.
His tally was the highest by an NBA debutant since Wilt Chamberlain in 1959 and broke Allen Iverson’s record for most points in a Sixers debut.
“I just kept shooting with confidence,” Edgecombe said after the game, crediting teammates for encouraging him to stay aggressive. His breakout night, along with Tyrese Maxey’s 40-point performance, helped Philadelphia overturn a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit.
In New York, the Knicks started the Mike Brown era with a 119–111 win over Cleveland, led by OG Anunoby’s 24 points and 14 rebounds.
Jalen Brunson added 23, while Donovan Mitchell’s 31-point effort wasn’t enough to rescue the shorthanded Cavaliers, who were missing Darius Garland and Max Strus.
