• Victor Wembanyama scores 40 points in his season debut for the San Antonio Spurs.
• The Spurs defeated the Dallas Mavericks 125-92 in the season opener.
• Cooper Flagg struggled in his NBA debut, scoring 10 points.

In a thrilling NBA season opener, Victor Wembanyama showcased his remarkable skill by scoring 40 points, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a decisive 125-92 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. This performance stands as a franchise record for the most points scored in a season opener, cementing his dominance on the court following a significant injury layoff due to deep vein thrombosis that required surgery earlier this year, as reported by SCMP, Le Monde, and Al Jazeera.

Wembanyama's stunning return was highlighted by his impressive shooting, connecting on 15 of 21 attempts and grabbing 15 rebounds, along with three blocked shots. His ability to dominate at the rim was particularly noted, as he powered through Dallas defenses, overshadowing Mavericks star Anthony Davis, who managed 22 points and 13 rebounds. “All dreams are allowed now,” Wembanyama expressed in a post-game interview, describing his elation at returning to the court, according to Le Monde and SCMP.

The game also marked a challenging start for Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks’ 18-year-old No. 1 draft pick, who scored 10 points after a slow first half. He struggled to make an impact early in the game, not scoring until the second half, contrasting sharply with Wembanyama’s explosive performance. “It's about getting used to the pace and the rhythm,” Flagg said post-game, referencing his experience, as detailed by Al Jazeera and SCMP.