By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After the premature end to his 2024-25 journey with the San Antonio Spurs, Victor Wembanyama bounced back with a spectacular showing, packed with highlight plays on Wednesday.
With 40 points, the 21-year-old French center set a new record for the most points by a Spurs player in the opener of a new Regular Season, besides pushing his side to a comfortable 125-92 victory versus the Dallas Mavericks and top draft pick Cooper Flagg in American Airlines Center.
Wemby ended up with 15/21 from the field, including 1/2 three-pointers. Grabbing 15 rebounds shaped a double-double in the first game of the 2025-26 campaign. He added three blocks, one assist, and one steal.
“I’m much more in control of myself. The mind, I’m not worried about because I saw what it’s like to be confronted with potentially losing a lot, whether it’s your career or your health, so I’m not taking this for granted anymore,” he mentioned in the postgame press conference. “I’m having more fun now that I’m not struggling to move as much. I know I still need to get better, and I’m still going to get better.”
Polish teammate Jeremy Sochan was out with a left wrist sprain.
Anthony Edwards scores 41 points
In Moda Center, Anthony Edwards put up 41 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves rallied past the Portland Trail Blazers, 118-114.
French starter, Rudy Gobert, chipped in ten points, six rebounds, and one block. Italian Donte DiVincenzo added seven points, four rebounds, two blocks, two steals, and two assists. French Joan Beringer did not play for the team coached by Chris Finch.
For the hosts, Israeli Deni Avdija and Belgian Toumani Camara started the new season, recording 20 and ten points, respectively. However, French Rayan Rupert stayed on the bench, and French Sidy Cissoko did not suit up.