Victor Wembanyama started Wednesday’s game with a bang, racking up an impressive 12 points within the first four minutes, sparking hopes of a potential upset for the San Antonio Spurs against the Dallas Mavericks.
However, Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving had different plans altogether.
The dynamic duo dominated the young Spurs, showcasing their skills and almost achieving triple-doubles each in a commanding 116-93 victory.
Dončić finished the game with 27 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, and two blocks, all without even playing in the fourth quarter. Irving contributed 34 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists to seal the win.
Luka with the dime to Kyrie 👀 pic.twitter.com/hxxyZGRhc3
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 15, 2024
Wembanyama, although impressive with 26 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and three blocks, couldn’t match the prowess of Dončić and Irving, solidifying their position as the frontrunners for Rookie of the Year, barring any injuries.
Despite Wembanyama’s stellar performance, it was evident that Dončić and Irving stole the spotlight, garnering praise from NBA fans and pundits alike on social media.
The win propelled the Mavericks to a 32-23 record for the season, securing a six-game winning streak heading into the All-Star Break. In contrast, the Spurs fell to a disappointing 11-44 record.
Luka & Kyrie tn: All Spurs starters:
61 PTS 56 PTS
21 AST 15 AST
26/42 FG 22/59 FG
+ 42 – 65— Best duo in the association ¯_(ツ)_/¯ pic.twitter.com/ZcOtRoAStB
— MavsMuse (@MavsMuse) February 15, 2024
While there may be speculation about Dončić’s playing style deterring potential teammates, the current success of him and Irving has the Mavericks positioned as serious contenders in the Western Conference. If they can maintain their momentum post-All-Star Break, they’ll undoubtedly be considered as strong contenders for a title this season.