Victor Wembanyama and Dylan Harper anchored a dominant offensive performance as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Dallas Mavericks 122-106 on Saturday night, securing their first win of the season. Wembanyama contributed 23 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks, while Harper scored 22 points to help the Spurs avoid a 0-3 start for the first time since the 2008-09 campaign. De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle each added 19 points, showcasing a balanced attack that overwhelmed a depleted Dallas roster.
San Antonio avoids historic 0-3 start as Dallas struggles without Flagg and Irving
The Mavericks, now 1-2, faced significant adversity without their two marquee players, Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving. Flagg, last season’s Rookie of the Year, is sidelined with a shoulder injury sustained during Friday’s win at Indiana and will be reevaluated next week. Irving, who returned this season after a 19-month ACL absence, sat out the second night of a back-to-back. Consequently, Dallas’ five starters combined for just 50 points, led by P.J. Washington with 12, while rookie Sergio de Larrea provided the primary spark with 21 points off the bench.
San Antonio controlled the game’s final stretch after squandering a 14-point lead in the third quarter. The Spurs ignited a 17-5 run in the first six minutes of the fourth quarter, ultimately outscoring Dallas 30-17 in the period to seal the victory. This decisive finish not only snapped their losing streak but also highlighted the Spurs’ growing depth and resilience as they look to build momentum early in the NBA season.
Source: Yahoo Sports
