Wembanyama Outduels Flagg as Spurs Defeat Mavericks 135-123 Behind Dominant First-Half Performance

Victor Wembanyama delivered a masterful performance with 29 points and 11 rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Dallas Mavericks 135-123 on Thursday night, marking San Antonio's 35th victory of the season—their highest win total since 2019. The 7-foot-4 All-Star dominated the first half with 20 points while making his first five three-point attempts, setting the tone for a wire-to-wire victory. Despite rookie sensation Cooper Flagg's spectacular 32-point effort for Dallas, the Spurs' balanced attack and Wembanyama's two-way excellence proved too much for the visiting Mavericks.

Flagg's performance, while impressive in defeat, extended his NBA record for consecutive 30-point games by a teenager to four. The 19-year-old number one overall pick joined elite company, becoming just the fifth rookie since the NBA-ABA merger in 1976-77 to score at least 30 points in four consecutive games, joining Michael Jordan, Bernard King, Allen Iverson, and Jalen Green in that exclusive club. Flagg has emerged as a legitimate offensive force for Dallas following the blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to Washington for Luka Dončić last season.

Wembanyama's stat line extended beyond scoring, as the French phenom also contributed six assists, two steals, and three blocks in a complete two-way performance. His early three-point barrage energized the Spurs and built a cushion that Dallas spent the entire game chasing. San Antonio's offensive efficiency was on full display, with multiple players contributing to the 135-point outburst. The Spurs' ability to generate high-quality shots against Dallas's defense showcased their continued development under head coach responsibilities.

The Mavericks, despite Flagg's heroics, struggled to contain San Antonio's versatile attack. Dallas's defensive schemes couldn't account for Wembanyama's unique combination of size, skill, and shooting range, particularly in the crucial first half when the game's complexion was established. The Mavericks' supporting cast couldn't provide enough secondary scoring to complement Flagg's fourth straight 30-point explosion, leaving Dallas vulnerable to San Antonio's offensive firepower.

This victory represents a significant milestone for the Spurs' rebuilding project, reaching 35 wins for the first time in seven years. San Antonio's ascent back toward playoff contention has been built around Wembanyama's transcendent talent and the development of their young core. The Spurs have transformed from lottery team to legitimate playoff threat, with Wembanyama establishing himself as one of the league's premier two-way players in just his second season.

The two Texas rivals will meet again on Saturday in San Antonio, providing both teams with an immediate rematch. For the Spurs, another victory would push them closer to playoff positioning while continuing their best season in years. The Mavericks will look to slow down Wembanyama and get more help for Flagg, who has carried Dallas's offense through his remarkable four-game scoring streak but needs additional contributors to challenge elite teams like the surging Spurs.