Spurs stun Mavericks 110-82 as Victor Wembanyama dominates Texas Derby

On Thursday, Oct. 22, 2025, the San Antonio Spurs LLC rolled into Dallas and stunned the Dallas Mavericks Basketball Club, LLC at the American Airlines Center, winning 110–82 in the season‑opening Texas derby. The French 22‑year‑old center, Victor Wembanyama, poured in 31 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, turning the matchup into a showcase of his growing dominance. The under‑betters celebrated as the total of 217 points fell short of the 224.5 over/under, and the Spurs’ +137 moneyline paid out $237 on a $100 wager.

Game Overview

The opening night of the 2025‑26 NBA season opener – Texas DerbyAmerican Airlines Center was billed as a clash of two West‑southwest powerhouses. Yet the Mavericks never found a rhythm. After a tentative first quarter that ended 24‑23 in Dallas’ favor, San Antonio surged on a 20‑5 run that spanned 4 minutes 28 seconds, turning a 63‑82 deficit into a 82‑63 lead by the midway point of the third quarter.

Coach Gregg Popovich (Spurs) praised his squad’s early energy: “We came out with a purpose, we executed the game plan, and the kids responded. That’s the kind of start we want for a new season.” In contrast, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd lamented the lack of adjustments: “We tried to stay in the game, but the Spurs’ size and spacing made it tough. We’ll regroup before the next one.”

Key Performances

Beyond Wembanyama’s 31‑point night, several role players contributed to the blowout. Spencer Dinwiddie added 12 points off the bench, while the Spurs’ defensive unit forced 22 turnovers. For Dallas, Luka Dončić (who was limited to 14 points on 4‑of‑13 shooting) struggled against the 7‑foot‑4 Frenchman’s double‑team, a tactical move that Popovich has refined over the past offseason.

• Victor Wembanyama: 31 points (11‑17 FG, 1‑2 3PT, 8‑9 FT), 15 rebounds, 2 blocks.
• Luka Dončić: 14 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds.
• Spencer Dinwiddie (Spurs): 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals.
• Dwight Powell (Mavericks): 8 points, 7 rebounds.

The statistical imbalance was reflected in the shot charts: San Antonio shot 64.7% from the field, while Dallas managed a paltry 38.5%.

Betting Angles and What the Numbers Say

The game’s betting line listed the Spurs at +137 on the moneyline and the under on the 224.5 total. With a final score of 110‑82, the under hit, delivering a $237 return on a $100 wager. The point spread, however, was not covered; the Spurs won by 28 points, far exceeding the 5‑point spread.

Analysts at Scores24.live have already flagged the upcoming Tuesday night rematch (Oct. 23) as a potential over‑betting opportunity. Their model shows a projected total of 222.5 points, citing both teams’ offensive efficiency ratings in the top 15 of the league and historically porous defenses. The Mavericks enter the second game as –2.5 favorites at 1.78 odds, a modest shift that bettors should weigh against the clear trend of high‑scoring affairs.

Historical Context of the Texas Derby

Since the rivalry began in 1980, the two franchises have met 58 times in the regular season. The Spurs hold a slim 32‑26 edge, but the Mavericks have dominated the past three calendar years, winning six of the last eight matchups. The most recent encounter before Oct. 22 was on March 13, 2025, when San Antonio edged Dallas 126‑116 at the Frost Bank Center.

Head‑to‑head averages reveal the Mavericks score 105.79 points per home game against San Antonio, while the visiting Spurs tally 107.67 – a combined average of 213.47 points per meeting. The 110‑82 result sits well below that benchmark, underscoring how defensive intensity (or lack thereof) can skew expectations.

Demographically, the derby pits the 7.9‑million‑person Dallas‑Fort Worth metroplex against the 1.5‑million‑person San Antonio market. The rivalry therefore carries outsized regional pride, with fans treating each matchup as a de facto state championship.

Looking Ahead: The Rematch on October 23

One day after the rout, the two clubs lock horns again, this time under the bright lights of the same arena. The line moves in favor of Dallas, reflecting a desire among sportsbooks to balance the action after the Spurs’ dominant display.

Popovich hinted at a different approach for the sequel: “We’ll keep the fundamentals but give the guys a little more freedom on the pick‑and‑roll. It’s still early, but we’re confident.” Meanwhile, Kidd emphasized adjustments: “We need to protect the paint, limit the second‑chance points, and get Luka involved early. If we can do that, we’ll be in the game.”

Betting experts advise watching the total over/under closely. The projected 222.5 points suggests a modest uptick from the previous night, but the spread—Mavericks –2.5—means the market still respects Dallas’ home‑court advantage despite the blowout.

What This Means for the Southwest Division

The early swing gives the Spurs a psychological edge heading into a grueling stretch against division rivals Utah, Phoenix and the newly‑relocated Memphis Grizzlies. If Wembanyama can stay healthy, he could be the catalyst that propels San Antonio back into playoff contention after a middling 2024‑25 campaign.

For Dallas, the loss serves as a wake‑up call. The Mavericks sit atop the Southwest with a 1‑0 record, but the margin of defeat highlights defensive lapses that could be costly against high‑octane offenses like Phoenix’s.

Overall, the Texas derby set the tone for a season where offense will rule and betting lines will be fluid. Fans and punters alike should keep an eye on the evolving dynamics, especially as both squads fine‑tune their rosters through the early‑season trade window.