Webaniyama scored 40 and the Spurs dismantled the Mavericks

Victor Webanyama was unstoppable in his return to action, leading the Spurs to a commanding 125-92 victory over the Mavericks and spoiling Cooper Flagg’s long-awaited NBA debut. The French superstar finished the game with 40 points, 15 rebounds and 3 blocks, turning in another impressive performance.

The international forward/centre returned to action after the shoulder clot problem that sidelined him in February last season, but looked fully fit. He dominated underneath the baskets, put on back-to-back dunks and punished every Mavericks defense, drawing fouls and sending both Anthony Davis and Derek Lively II out of the game with five fouls.

The Spurs “stepped on the gas” at the end of the first half, when, with Webbania as the star, they ran a 13-0 run, taking complete control of the match. The 20-year-old star clinched crucial points with a stunning reverse layup and then a mid-range shot as Davies picked up his fourth foul.

For Webbanayama, last year’s Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle scored 22 points, while Dylan Harper added 15 off the bench to fuel the scoring in the first half.

For the Mavericks, Anthony Davis led the way with 22 points and 13 rebounds, while Cooper Flagg, in his debut, finished the game with 10 points and 10 rebounds, scoring for the first time at the beginning of the second half. The 18-year-old from Duke became the second-youngest player in history to start a season opener, two days older than LeBron James did in 2003.

NBA results in detail

Hornets-Nets 136-117



Knicks-Cavaliers 119-111



Magic-Hit 125-121



Hawks-Raptors 118-138



Celtics-Sixers 116-117

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loTnBJeTXg

Bulls-Pistons 115-111



Grizzlies-Pelicans 128-122



Bucks-Wizards 133-120



Jazz-Clippers 129-108



Mavericks-Spurs 92-125



Suns-Kings 120-116

Blazers-Timberwolves 114-118