The Dallas Mavericks totaled 73 points in the second half in a 120-109 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday in one of four games scheduled in the NBA.
Luka Dončić scored twice for the Mavs with 28 points and ten rebounds. He also had eight assists.
Like last season, San Antonio fell from the start against Dallas, NBA finalist last spring.
“I have to get used to taking shots again, in rhythm. I’m able to shoot from anywhere on the court, but if I’m not in rhythm I can miss from everywhere, it’s all a question of preparing the shot,” commented Wembanyama.
“We have more certainty on certain tactical points but we have not yet completely overcome our demons, even if no one is worried, it is the first match of the season,” added Wemby.
In his first game with Dallas, Klay Thompson set a new mark for a player making his debut with the team with six three-pointers. He finished the game with 22 points, the second highest total on his team.
Derek Lively II also had a double with 15 points and eleven rebounds. Kyrie Irving also totaled 15 points.
In the loss, last year’s first overall draft pick Victor Wembanyama had 17 points. Silver medalist at the Olympic Games with the French team this summer, Wembanyama experienced many failures in his first match of the season and committed numerous losses of the ball (4), only managing to find the right rhythm in end of meeting.
Wemby was able to slam a dunk on a alley-oop from Chris Paul, a veteran who arrived as a reinforcement this summer to help the young Spurs team progress.
Julian Champagnie and Jeremy Sochan were the most productive for the Spurs on offense with 18 points each.
Elsewhere in the NBA
Celtics 122 – Wizards 102
BOS: Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 27 points, eleven rebounds and six assists.
WAS: Jordan Poole was the most productive of the Wizards with 26 points. Bilal Coulibaly led the columns in rebounds and assists with six.
Thunder 102 – Nuggets 87
OKC: The Thunder was led by strong performances from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (28 pts, eight assists) and Chet Holmgren (25 pts, 14 rebounds, 4 blocks).
DEN: Modest start for Nikola Jokic, who was limited to 16 points.
Timberwolves 117 – Kings 115
MIN: Anthony Edwards had 32 points, including the game-winning shot to break the tie late in the 4th quarter.
SAC: DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis had 26 and 24 points respectively.
