We're Back!

After a three-year hiatus from writing Spurs in the 6, I couldn’t have picked a better moment to return. The San Antonio Spurs opened their 2025–26 season with a thunderous statement, dismantling the Dallas Mavericks 125–92 on their home court. And let me tell you—this wasn’t just a win. It was a declaration.

The energy, the execution, the dominance—it all felt different. And at the heart of it was the towering brilliance of Victor Wembanyama, who reminded the league exactly why he’s the future of basketball.

Wemby’s Masterpiece

Victor Wembanyama didn’t just play well—he owned the night. In just 30 minutes of action, he dropped 40 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and swatted 3 shots. He shot an efficient 15-of-21 from the field, including 1-of-2 from three, and went to the line 11 times, converting 9 of those attempts.

What stood out most wasn’t just the stat line—it was the way he did it. Wemby’s dunks were violent poetry. His reverse alley-oop in the second quarter was so surreal, the announcers called it “a figment of our basketball imaginations.” He pump-faked out of double teams, drove past defenders like a guard, and even hit an and-one three-pointer that sent the Mavericks bench into stunned silence.

And perhaps most impressively—zero turnovers. That’s right. Forty points, high usage, and not a single giveaway. Head coach Mitch Johnson called it the most important stat of the night.

This was Wemby’s first regular-season game since February, after surgery for deep vein thrombosis. If this is how he returns from injury, the rest of the league should be very, very afraid.

Castle’s Command

While Wemby was the headline, Stephon Castle was the glue. The reigning Rookie of the Year looked even sharper in his sophomore debut, posting 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. He shot 8-of-12 from the field, hit a three, and went to the line 10 times.

Castle’s chemistry with Wembanyama was electric. He fed Wemby for multiple alley-oops, including a gorgeous reverse slam that shifted momentum in the second quarter. Castle also played lockdown defense on Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg, holding the No. 1 overall pick to just 10 points on 4-of-13 shooting.

In the postgame interview, Castle credited hours of film study and reps with Wemby for their growing synergy. “We knew what we were capable of,” he said. “This wasn’t a surprise to us.”

Supporting Cast Steps Up

The Spurs’ depth was on full display:

• Dylan Harper, the 19-year-old rookie, overcame early jitters to score 15 points off the bench. After going 0-for-3 in the first quarter, he settled in and hit 4-of-5 in the second, sparking a 13-0 run that gave the Spurs control. [msn.com]

• Devin Vassell added 13 points and 4 assists, playing a steady two-way game.

• Keldon Johnson was a quiet force, going 5-of-6 for 11 points and grabbing 5 boards.

• Julian Champagnie, Harrison Barnes, and Luke Kornet all contributed solid minutes, with Barnes hitting a key three in the first half.

Even David Jones García and Harrison Ingram got in on the action late, each scoring in limited minutes.

Flagg’s Debut Spoiled

All eyes were on Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks’ top pick. But Wemby and Castle made sure his debut was a rough one. Flagg didn’t score until the first possession of the second half and finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds, but struggled to find rhythm against the Spurs’ defense.

The Mavericks, missing Kyrie Irving due to ACL recovery, leaned heavily on Anthony Davis, who posted 22 points and 13 rebounds, but couldn’t keep pace with the Spurs’ firepower.

Atmosphere: Electric in Enemy Territory

One of my favorite moments of the night came in the fourth quarter. Despite being in Dallas, Spurs fans in the building erupted with chants of “Go Spurs Go!”. It was loud, proud, and persistent. Mavericks fans tried to drown it out with boos, but the energy was unmistakable. It felt like a home game in enemy territory—and it was glorious.

Highlights You Don’t Want to Miss

If you missed the game, here are some must-watch highlight reels:

• Full Game Highlights – NBA [youtube.com]

• Wembanyama’s Unreal Performance [youtube.com]

• Mavericks Highlights (for contrast) [youtube.com]

• Game Summary on NBA.com [nba.com]

Looking Ahead

The Spurs next face the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. If this opener was any indication, we’re in for a thrilling season. Wemby looks like an MVP candidate. Castle is evolving into a true floor general. And the young core is hungry.

As for Spurs in the 6—we’re back too. I’ll be covering the highs, the heartbreaks, and everything in between. If you’re a Spurs fan in Toronto (or anywhere), this is your home.

Let’s ride.

Go Spurs Go.