The Dallas Mavericks victorious in their first game of the season as they defeat the San Antonio Spurs 126-119 Wednesday at the Frost Bank Center.

San Antonio led 119-118 after two made Devin Vassell free throws, until Kyrie Irving responded with a 3-pointer to give the Mavericks a 121-118 lead with 1:51 left in the game. After Keldon Johnson was blocked by Josh Green, Irving would score yet again with a transition layup to push the lead to 5.

The Spurs would look to close the deficit late, but a Dereck Lively II steal would lead to a Luka Doncic stepback three to put the game away.

The Mavericks were able to close this game out largely due to their improved defensive play in the 4^th quarter. Dallas gave up 43 points in the 1^st quarter but held the Spurs to 28 points in the 4th quarter.

“It all starts with our defensive stops,” said Luka Doncic. “I think especially at the end we locked in [defensively], so that’s how we got to be every game”.

Doncic and Irving led the scoring charge for Dallas in this victory over San Antonio. Doncic recorded a triple-double with 33 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists. Irving compiled 22 points and 6 assists.

Dallas received a much-needed boost from the 12^th overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, Dereck Lively II. Lively gathered 16 points, 10 rebounds, a block, and a steal in his NBA debut.

“[Lively] played amazing,” said Doncic. “I remember my first game I was nervous; he didn’t seem nervous. He played amazing”.

Grant Williams and Tim Hardaway Jr. both added 17 points each.

The Mavericks bench heavily contributed to this win over the Spurs, as they outscored the San Antonio bench 47-37.

For San Antonio, they competed for most of the game, but fizzled out late. The Spurs were led by Devin Vassell, who put up 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Keldon Johnson would add 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists.

In his much-anticipated debut, Victor Wembanyama would showcase his potential by collecting 15 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block. He shot an efficient 66.7% from the field and 60% from the 3-point line.

Though Wembanyama displayed why he was the 1^st overall pick in the NBA Draft, he struggled playing without fouling for most of the game. He only played 23 minutes because he committed 5 fouls.

“Of course, I’m going to think about this game, it’s the only game I ever played, but it’s a long season,” said Victor Wembanyama.

Up Next

Dallas looks to make it two in a row when they play their first home game of the season against the Brooklyn Nets on Friday. The Nets lost their opening matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-113 after Donovan Mitchell hit a clutch 3-pointer with 12 seconds remaining.

San Antonio will try to get their first win of the season when they meet the Houston Rockets on Friday. Houston was defeated in their first game of the season, as they were blown out by the Orlando Magic 116-86.