It was apparent from the moment “The Star Spangled Banner” was performed — the Dallas Mavericks had transitioned to a new era.
Fans throughout American Airlines Center shouted “flag” with emphasis during the national anthem in honor of the No. 1 overall pick who made his NBA debut Wednesday night in the Mavericks’ 125-92 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
All eyes were on Cooper Flagg, but Victor Wembanyama offered a reminder that he’s still the most talented No. 1 pick in recent memory as he spoiled the start of the Mavericks’ 45th anniversary season.
Dallas opened the season against the Spurs for the third consecutive year. Wembanyama stole the show on a stage intended for Flagg and displayed his uniquely versatile two-way skills. The third-year Spurs center finished with a dominant performance of 40 points and 15 rebounds, while the Mavericks rookie recorded a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds despite an inefficient shooting night.
“Not great. Obviously, didn’t play incredibly well,” Flagg said. “But I have to move past it. Turn our focus and start getting ready for Friday.”
Mavericks fall to Spurs in Cooper Flagg’s NBA debut as Victor Wembanyama steals the show
Flagg became the second-youngest player to start in an NBA game, and Kidd started him at point guard in a jumbo lineup alongside Dereck Lively II and a trio of veterans in Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington and Anthony Davis. The group struggled in its first official appearance after two trial runs in preseason, primarily because of its lack of a true point guard who can initiate the offense.
There’s a reason the Mavericks didn’t have a true point guard, with Kyrie Irving on the bench in a tan sweatsuit, his first missed game of the season as he recovers from ACL surgery.
The Mavericks’ struggle on offense was due to a lack of continuity, but they also fell victim to a potent defensive effort by San Antonio. Dallas was forced into 16 turnovers, which accounted for 19 points for the Spurs. Despite being sold for their length, the Mavericks were also outhustled and outrebounded. They lost the battle on the boards 50-37.
Davis led the Mavericks with a double-double of 22 points and 13 rebounds, while Washington added 15 points and five rebounds. He was one of the most efficient Mavericks on the floor on Wednesday, finishing 7-for-11 from the field. Davis had a rough shooting night with a 7-of-22 mark.
After the game, Davis said he addressed the team with a message to remain even-keeled.
“After the game, I just told the guys, ‘This is Game 1 of 82.’ … Obviously we don’t want to lose, but we weren’t gonna go 82-0. The way we lost is disappointing, but the good thing about it is it’s all correctable.”
The Mavericks were hindered by foul trouble. Davis finished with four, while Lively played just 10 minutes because of his five fouls. Wembanyama was the root of the Mavericks’ foul woes. He finished through contact and drew Mavericks defenders into the air.
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A microcosm of Wembanyama’s improved strength was during the third quarter when he pumpfaked Washington into the air and drove to the basket. Davis took a swipe at the ball, but slapped the Spurs big man’s wrist. That didn’t stop the force of Wemby as he continued his play and threw down a reverse dunk.
Davis made his official debut in his new protective eyewear, a mandate by his optometrist after surgery on a detached retina in his right eye. It didn’t take long before the goggles were a casualty of Davis’ frustration. He chucked the goggles late in the first quarter after Spurs center Luke Kornet issued a hard foul with a slap to his face, which was ruled a flagrant foul.
The Spurs have produced two of the last three Rookie of the Year award winners in Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, who totaled 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists. No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper also made his pro debut and finished with 12 points, four rebounds and two assists.
It appeared as if fans would be treated with what they were expecting from Flagg on the first play of the game when he came up with his first steal that sparked a two-on-one fast break with Davis. The big man lobbed the ball to Flagg, but he could barely corral the pass and missed what would’ve been the ultimate “welcome to the league” moment. Davis cleaned up the offensive glass instead and threw down a vicious slam.
Flagg shot 30.8% from the field (4-of-13) and committed three turnovers, but Kidd isn’t concerned about the rookie’s debut.
“I thought Cooper played within himself,” said Mavericks coach Jason Kidd. “He took what the defense gave him. He was making plays. He was diving on the floor. He’s one that’s not going to go out there and shoot every time he touches it. He tries to play the game right and I thought he did that in the first half.”
“He played well. The statline is not going to say that, but no one in this room is sitting in his shoes,” Kidd said. “As a rookie, he did fine and he’s going to learn from this game. We all will and we’ll be better the next time we take the floor.”
The Mavericks host the Washington Wizards in the second game of their five-game homestand on Friday, which could offer reprieve after an underwhelming opener.
The NBA’s 80th season is officially underway. So is the Mavericks’ 45th. Perhaps the silver lining in Wednesday’s lopsided loss is the fact there are 81 games left.
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