NBA: Victor Wembanyama scores 40 points to lead San Antonio Spurs past Dallas Mavericks (139-120)

SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Dallas Mavericks 139-120 in an NBA matchday highlighted by Victor Wembanyama's dominant performance, who recorded 40 points and 13 rebounds in his 65th game of the season, reaching the minimum required to qualify for NBA individual awards. The victory reinforces the Texas team's excellent form, which has already secured the second seed in the Western Conference.

box score

From the opening tip, Victor Wembanyama made it clear he was fully recovered from the rib contusion that had forced him to miss the previous game. The French center opened the scoring by penetrating through three defenders to dunk with his right hand, and shortly after added another dunk and a three-pointer off a step-back. His impact was immediate: 16 points in the first quarter, setting the offensive pace for a San Antonio Spurs team that was clearly superior.

San Antonio Spurs' dominance was sustained throughout the first half with the help of their team play. De'Aaron Fox directed the offense with 18 points and 10 assists, while Keldon Johnson contributed 17 points, extending a lead that continued to grow against a Dallas Mavericks team unable to contain the home team's offensive firepower.

In the third quarter, Victor Wembanyama appeared again to solidify the difference. The Frenchman finished with 40 points and 13 rebounds, reaching the 40-point mark for the fifth time this season in the NBA. The performance also carries symbolic value: by playing in his 65th game, the San Antonio Spurs center meets the minimum requirement to qualify for season awards, including Defensive Player of the Year, an award for which he is the favorite after leading the league with 197 blocks.

For the Dallas Mavericks, the standout was rookie Cooper Flagg, who recorded 33 points, six rebounds and five assists, but his performance was not enough to prevent another loss for the Texas team.

The victory confirms San Antonio Spurs' excellent competitive form, having won the Southwest Division for the first time since 2017 and already securing the second seed in the Western Conference heading into the NBA playoffs.

The San Antonio Spurs will close out the regular season on Sunday at home against Denver, while awaiting their opponent for the first round of the NBA playoffs, which will come from the Western Conference play-in between the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, or Portland Trail Blazers. Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks are going through a very difficult stretch after losing 11 of their last 13 games.