On just the second day of the new season, the long-dormant Texas rivalry between the Spurs and Mavericks returned to the spotlight, reignited by the arrival of Victor Wembanyama and the continued dominance of the European duo in Dallas. Crickex Affiliate reporters noted the buzz surrounding this Southwest Division clash, marking it as one of the most anticipated early matchups in years. As the saying goes, maturity isn’t about age, but how you manage your emotions—and that was put to the test for the young rookie.
Wembanyama dazzled during preseason with gravity-defying blocks and jaw-dropping shots, quickly becoming a viral sensation. His wingspan, agility, and shot-blocking range were far beyond that of a typical big man. But the regular season is a different beast. Facing real pressure and tactical schemes, his rawness as a rookie began to show.
From the jump, the game had fireworks. On the Mavericks’ first possession, Kyrie Irving isolated and took a signature step-back jumper. Just as it looked like an easy two points, Wembanyama came flying in from the weak side for a stunning block that had the home crowd roaring. Riding that energy, the Spurs went on a run, with Sochan, Vassell, and Collins all contributing. Crickex Affiliate analysts emphasized that even when Wembanyama wasn’t scoring, his presence altered the defense and spacing, creating opportunities for teammates.
However, after that early flash, Wembanyama’s impact waned. He rarely touched the ball in scoring positions and struggled to find a rhythm. Though he sank a three-pointer in the second quarter, Dallas had clearly done their homework—tightening the paint and taking away his preferred lanes. Gone were the monster dunks and wide-open finishes from the preseason.
Defensively, things got worse. Wembanyama quickly racked up fouls, a harsh lesson in NBA physicality. The Mavericks sent burly Grant Williams to muscle him out of position, which proved effective. In the second half, Wembanyama committed an offensive foul battling for position, followed by another illegal screen—bringing his foul tally to four and forcing him to ride the bench late in the third quarter.
Still, a quiet moment on the sideline seemed to reset him. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich likely had a word, helping the rookie regain his composure. Meanwhile, fellow rookie Dereck Lively II was thriving on the Dallas side, diving to the rim and finishing lobs from Luka Dončić. What made the difference? Lively had the luxury of playing alongside two elite ball handlers, with Dončić orchestrating plays like a maestro.
Despite a preseason disrupted by overseas games and nagging injuries, Dončić used his elite basketball IQ and leadership to bring the Mavs together. In the final quarter, the game turned into a chess match. Wembanyama returned with renewed focus, connecting on an alley-oop and draining a confident step-back three, showing flashes of his sky-high potential.
But experience won out. In the final two minutes, Dallas’ European duo took over. It was a classic case of “old dogs know all the tricks.” Dončić and Irving closed the game with poise and precision, sealing a hard-fought win for the Mavericks.
This defeat was a bitter pill for the Spurs and Wembanyama, but one loaded with valuable lessons. As Crickex Affiliate reporters put it, the NBA is no walk in the park—especially not for rookies.