Spurs Edge Mavericks 135-123 Behind Wembanyama's 29 Points
In a pulsating NBA matchup that showcased the rising stars of the league, the San Antonio Spurs secured a hard-fought 135-123 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on February 5, 2026, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. Victor Wembanyama, the towering 7-foot-4 French phenom, led the charge with 29 points and 11 rebounds, helping the Spurs maintain their stronghold in the Southwest Division despite a valiant effort from rookie sensation Cooper Flagg.
Game Highlights: A Battle of Young Talents
The game was a feast for basketball purists, blending explosive scoring with defensive lapses that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. The Spurs, boasting a stellar 35-16 record, jumped out to an early lead, building double-digit advantages in the first half. Wembanyama was unstoppable from beyond the arc, sinking his first five three-pointers to rack up 20 points by halftime. His efficiency was on full display, shooting 9-of-14 from the field, though he cooled off later, missing his final four attempts from deep.
Dallas, mired in a dismal 19-32 season, leaned heavily on their No. 1 draft pick, Cooper Flagg. The 19-year-old extended his remarkable streak to four consecutive 30-point games, pouring in 32 points overall, with 22 coming after the break. Flagg's performance etched his name in NBA history, joining legends like Michael Jordan, Bernard King, Allen Iverson, and Jalen Green as the only rookies since the 1976-77 merger to achieve this feat. Yet, despite his heroics, the Mavericks couldn't overcome their offensive rhythm issues, falling to 0-4 in these games and extending their losing skid to six—the longest of their campaign.
Key Moments from the Court
The first quarter set the tone with the Spurs edging ahead 38-35, thanks to Wembanyama's early barrage. San Antonio pushed the lead to 74-63 at halftime, but Dallas mounted a fierce comeback in the third, outscoring the visitors 33-25 to narrow the gap to just one point entering the fourth. Flagg's scoring explosion fueled this rally, as he sliced through the Spurs' defense with a mix of drives and mid-range jumpers.
The final frame was where experience met resilience. De'Aaron Fox, despite a subpar shooting night, delivered in the clutch with two massive three-pointers, the second assisted by Wembanyama for a 131-123 lead with 1:24 left. Stephon Castle capped the scoring with an emphatic follow dunk on a rebound, finishing with 18 points and seven boards. Harrison Barnes added 19 points, while seven Spurs players reached double figures, underscoring their balanced attack.
For Dallas, Naji Marshall matched Flagg's output with 32 points, providing a secondary scoring threat. Daniel Gafford contributed a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds, especially poignant after rumors swirled around him ahead of the trade deadline. The Mavericks had just dealt 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis, who was sidelined with a hand injury, marking their first game post-trade and adding emotional weight to the loss.
Team Analysis: Spurs Surge, Mavericks Stumble
The Spurs' win improves their record to 35-16, solidifying their position atop the Southwest Division with a three-game winning streak. Their depth was evident, with contributions from across the roster preventing Dallas from seizing control. Wembanyama's all-around game—combining scoring, rebounding, and playmaking (six assists)—highlights why he's a cornerstone for San Antonio's future. The team's ability to weather Flagg's second-half surge speaks to their growing cohesion under coach Gregg Popovich's steady hand.
Conversely, the Mavericks are in turmoil. Their 19-32 mark places them 16 games behind the division leaders, and this defeat amplifies concerns about their playoff hopes. Trading Davis, a move speculated to reshape their roster, hasn't yielded immediate dividends. Flagg's individual brilliance is a silver lining, but the team's defensive woes—allowing 135 points—and inability to close out quarters have them on the ropes. With a six-game skid, Dallas must regroup quickly to avoid a deeper hole in the Western Conference standings.
Broader NBA Context and Trade Implications
This matchup arrives amid a busy trade deadline, where the Mavericks held onto Gafford despite interest from contenders. Davis's departure to an undisclosed team signals a potential rebuild, though Flagg's emergence offers hope. For the Spurs, maintaining momentum is key as they chase a top seed. The Western Conference remains ultra-competitive, with Houston at 31-19 and Memphis at 20-29, making every win crucial.
Flagg's streak isn't just stats; it's a narrative of teenage dominance in a league of veterans. His poise under pressure, even in defeat, draws comparisons to past rookies who became icons. Meanwhile, Wembanyama's evolution from a raw talent to a polished star continues to captivate fans globally.
Looking Ahead: Rematch in San Antonio
These intrastate rivals won't have long to lick their wounds, facing off again Saturday in San Antonio. The Spurs aim to sweep the season series (currently 2-0), while Dallas seeks redemption. With Prime Video and local broadcasts covering the action, fans in the UK and beyond can catch the drama via NBA League Pass. Expect another high-octane affair as both teams' young cores battle for supremacy.
In the end, this game encapsulated the NBA's blend of unpredictability and star power. The Spurs' victory reinforces their contender status, while the Mavericks' struggles underscore the challenges of a mid-season pivot. Stay tuned to Everythiiing.com for more NBA updates, analysis, and highlights.
