21-Year-Old Proves He Should Be in MVP Conversation on Opening Night

The 2025–26 NBA season is finally underway! Opening night was filled with some amazing performances, but nobody outshone Victor Wembanyama in the first game of his third NBA season. 

Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs faced off against the Dallas Mavericks on ESPN in a much-anticipated battle of number one overall picks. While the spotlights were focused on Cooper Flagg’s NBA debut, it was quickly shifted to Wembanyama.

Wembanyama was otherworldly. He scored 40 points, notched 15 rebounds, and had three blocks in the Spurs' victory. Not only was Wembanyama dominant on both ends of the floor, but he was also insanely efficient. Wembanyama only shot 21 field goals to reach 40 points, making 15 of them. He was also 9-for-11 from the free-throw line. He only shot two threes, something that he may have relied too much on last season.

While most were expecting a big season from Wembanyama, an opening-night game like this sets the tone. Wembanyama needs to be considered in the MVP conversation this season. If he stays healthy and continues to put up stat lines like this, there will be no denying his greatness.

Wembanyama is already recognized as the best defender in the NBA, but offensive production like he had on Wednesday night may completely change the conversation around his play. 

When Wembanyama’s shot is falling, and he isn’t forcing up threes, he is basically unstoppable. Wembanyama made 40 points on 21 shots look easy against one of the better defenders in the league, Anthony Davis.

The sky is the limit for Wembanyama, and this opening-night performance was just the beginning.