A showdown of three top picks! Flagg scores zero in the first half, while Vembanyama dominates the paint with 40 points and 15 rebounds as the Spurs rout the Mavericks.

On October 23rd Beijing time, the NBA regular season opener saw the Mavericks host the Spurs. After four quarters, the Spurs triumphed 125-92 over the Mavericks for a winning start. All three top picks appeared: Vembanyama shot 15 of 21 to tally 40 points, 15 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 3 blocks; Davis went 7 of 22 for 22 points, 13 boards, 1 assist, and 2 steals; rookie pick Flagg scored zero in the first half, finishing with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 steal on 4 of 13 shooting.

At the start of the first quarter, Flagg seemed a bit nervous, missing a dunk attempt, though Davis grabbed the rebound and completed the put-back. After two missed shots, Flagg was subbed out. Davis took charge of the Mavericks’ offense, scoring through shots and free throws to keep the game close. Vembanyama’s talent was undeniable, and Vassell and Kessler also contributed strongly, keeping the Spurs slightly ahead. Toward the quarter’s end, Davis and Leavell scored easily inside, allowing the Mavericks to take the lead. Vembanyama cut through the lane and electrified the crowd with a spectacular dunk. The teams traded baskets until the quarter ended with the Mavericks leading 29-28.

In the second quarter, the teams remained neck and neck. Powell and Clay helped the Mavericks tie the score, then Washington hit consecutive shots from outside to take the lead. Vembanyama continued his aerial dominance, keeping the Spurs close. Vembanyama and Kessler combined on a counterattack to regain the lead, while Christie hit a three to stabilize the Mavericks’ advantage. The back-and-forth battle saw the score tightly contested. Washington nailed another long-range shot, and Vembanyama scored through both shooting and free throws, keeping the margin to just one point. At the quarter’s end, the Mavericks’ offense stalled, and the Spurs went on a 15-3 run to close the half leading 60-51.

In the second half, the Spurs’ offense remained potent. Vembanyama first blocked a shot, then hit a three-point play at the top of the key to extend the lead. At a crucial moment, Washington responded with a gliding layup and a two-point plus free throw. Vembanyama, seemingly trained in Shaolin, executed a variety of difficult moves both inside and outside, quickly pushing the Spurs’ lead beyond 20 points. Toward the quarter’s end, Flagg finally found his rhythm, scoring 4 consecutive points. Keldon Johnson grabbed a key rebound, helping the Spurs hold a 93-72 lead over the Mavericks.

In the final quarter, Vembanyama continued his aerial displays as the Spurs’ victory became certain. Halfway through the quarter, the Spurs led by 30 points but showed no signs of resting their starters. Neither team scored for two minutes afterward, but with time running out for a comeback, both sides began substituting bench players. Ultimately, the Spurs cruised to a 125-92 win over the Mavericks.

Starting lineups for both teams:

Mavericks: Washington, Davis, Leavell, Clay, Flagg

Spurs: Champagnie, Barnes, Vembanyama, Vassell, Kessler