'This Is What We Work For': Victor Wembanyama Torched The Mavericks In His Latest Outing. He Later Commented On How Hard He Worked This Offseason

Victor Wembanyama made a huge statement in the San Antonio Spurs’ season opener against the Dallas Mavericks, proving why he was the number one draft pick. After leading the Spurs to a dominant 125-92 road victory, the young star was clearly emotional and proud of his success. 

He openly spoke about the effort he poured into his body and skills during the summer, making it clear that the dominant performance was not by chance. This honest reflection hinted at a difficult journey back to the court. He had been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis, which meant he had to put in extra effort just to get cleared and get his body right for the demanding NBA season.

His summer was filled with unique preparations beyond the typical basketball gym. He worked out with NBA legends like Kevin Garnett, who helped him with the mental aspects of the game, and Hakeem Olajuwon, who focused on teaching him elite footwork and defense. Speaking to ESPN after the win, Wembanyama shared his determined mindset, saying:

“This is what we work for,” Wembanyama said. “All of us got our own battles and struggles. God knows I’ve worked f*cking hard this summer. It’s paying off. I’m just glad to be back.”

Wembanyama Had A Statement Game

Victor Wembanyama’s performance against the Mavericks was nothing short of legendary for a season opener. He truly dominated the court and showed exactly how dangerous he can be. The final stat line was a massive 40 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks. 

What made the performance so remarkable was how Wembanyama chose to attack the basket. He only attempted two three-point shots the entire game and consistently attacked the rim, using his size and skill to be an unstoppable force against the Dallas defense.

Wembanyama’s dominance led directly to the Spurs’ easy 125-92 victory, showing he is a true difference-maker on the court. He looked completely comfortable and in command in his first game of the season. His effective play completely neutralized the opposing team’s big men; Dereck Lively II struggled with foul trouble for most of the contest. All the signs point to the Frenchman being an immediate, dominant force in the league.

Everyone Is Impressed With The Youngster

The basketball world immediately took notice of Victor Wembanyama’s incredible season-opening performance. The buzz around his game was massive, and experts and former players were quick to offer high praise. 

Even the iconic ‘Inside the NBA‘ crew featuring Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal, was left highly impressed. On their broadcast, they discussed the huge impact of the French rookie and debated the ceiling of his talent. When asked to describe the performance in one word, each member used a powerful description. Kenny Smith called it both “championship” and “MVP-like,” showing the highest confidence in the youngster’s future.

Shaquille O’Neal, one of the most dominant centers in NBA history, simply called the game “dominant,” which is high praise coming from him. Charles Barkley also joined in the compliments. He described Wembanyama’s performance as “Shaq-like,” a huge compliment that meant the rookie was playing with an unstoppable power and presence. These high praises truly tell us that Wembanyama is a generational talent who has just started to show his true potential.