Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg’s Debut Marred by 125-92 Loss
The Dallas Mavericks opened the 2025-26 NBA season with a home game against their I-35 rival, San Antonio Spurs, on Wednesday night. The Mavericks suffered a brutal loss to the Spurs, 125-92, in the home opener at the American Airlines Center. Dallas fell to 0-1, while San Antonio improved to 1-0.
Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs Starters
The Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs game was intriguing from start to finish. Before the game, Spurs rookie Stephon Castle and Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers became the first duo to come from the same college and win NBA and WNBA Rookie of the Year in the same year.
The Mavericks’ starting lineup featured Cooper Flagg, Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively II. The injury report ruled out Kyrie Irving (knee), Dante Exum (knee), and Daniel Gafford (ankle).
The Spurs’ starting lineup featured Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, Harrison Barnes, and Victor Wembanyama. The injury report ruled out Jeremy Sochan (wrist), De’Aaron Fox (hamstring), Lindy Waters III (eye), and Kelly Olynyk (heel).
Mavericks vs. Spurs Recap
Regardless of the final score, Mavericks fans and the handful of Spurs fans enjoyed the game. Dallas entered the season with high hopes, thanks to CBS Sports’ Colin Ward-Henninger’s power rankings, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith’s NBA Finals picks, and Jaden Hardy’s offensive development.
Just one day before the game, Cooper Flagg told reporters that Dallas can use its depth to shatter expectations. D’Angelo Russell might back up Flagg, 18, in a potential attempt to increase the Mavericks’ depth.
The first quarter was a high-scoring affair. Anthony Davis shined with a rim-rocking dunk. Victor Wembanyama threw down a vicious dunk. Dallas scored points off of offensive rebounds but went four minutes without scoring. Dallas settled for a 29-28 lead over San Antonio after the first.
The second quarter escalated into a 32-32 tie. Dallas struggled in transition defense. Dallas went three minutes without scoring, but Max Christie hit a three-pointer to help the team to a 40-39 lead. The Spurs picked up the pace. San Antonio took a 60-51 lead into halftime.
Despite the Mavericks’ beautiful plays, finishes, and the like, the third quarter remained in favor of the Spurs. Cooper Flagg scored his first NBA points. San Antonio went on a 16-3 run that included 10 consecutive points. Stephon Castle completed the steal and score off of D’Angelo Russell. San Antonio led 93-72 after three quarters.
The fourth quarter showed strong glimpses of the Spurs’ young roster, as well as the Mavericks’ young players. Stephon Castle somehow weaved through traffic for a smooth finish. San Antonio defeated Dallas 125-92 in regulation.
Final Thoughts
Dallas remains at home to host the Washington Wizards in a non-conference game on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. Central. The game will be broadcast on KFAA and WFAA.
San Antonio hits the road to take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night at 8:00 p.m. Central. The game will be broadcast on Gulf Coast Sports and Pelicans+.
