[SAEN] 马刺赛季揭幕战惜败独行侠,三点观察值得关注 ▶️

马刺 @ 独行侠 109 - 120 技术统计 | 视频集锦

By Jeff McDonald, Staff Writer | San Antonio Express-News (SAEN), 2024-10-24 23:35:44

由生成式人工智能翻译,译文内容可能不准确或不完整,以原文为准。

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10月24日,德克萨斯州达拉斯:在达拉斯美航中心的比赛第一节,达拉斯独行侠队的卢卡·东契奇 (Luka Doncic) 77号对阵圣安东尼奥马刺队的杰里米·索汉 (Jeremy Sochan)10号。

达拉斯 - 周四,对于自己六个月来的首场正式 NBA 比赛,维克托·文班亚马 (Victor Wembanyama) 的心情可谓是喜忧参半。

在达拉斯以 109-121 输掉比赛后,文班亚马的表现显然不像“文班”应有的水准,但他试图看到积极的一面,同时也对球队缺乏活力的表现承担了责任。

“我认为我有一些非常棒的篮球时刻,”文班亚马说,“也有一些非常糟糕的时刻。”

文班亚马的球队也是如此。他们在美航中心度过了一个时而糟糕的上半场,最终连续第三年在赛季揭幕战中失利。

卢卡·东契奇 (Luka Doncic) 为独行侠队贡献了 28 分和 10 个篮板,新援克莱·汤普森 (Klay Thompson) 贡献了 22 分,凯里·欧文 (Kyrie Irving) 贡献了 15 分,帮助球队在下半场将两分的落后转变为胜利。

在季前赛的两场比赛中,文班亚马一共只打了 39 分钟,因此他在本场比赛中一直没有找到自己的节奏,最终得到 17 分和 9 个篮板。

他的投篮命中率为 18 投 5 中,三分球 8 投 1 中,凭借罚球线上的 6 投 6 中才勉强挽救了自己的得分。

文班亚马说,他感觉自己的状态和节奏都不在最佳状态,对此他并不感到惊讶。

“我们都没有真正打过(最近的)比赛,”文班亚马说,“这是每个 NBA 球员都会遇到的困难。”

但东契奇似乎并没有受到影响,尽管他没有参加独行侠队的任何一场季前赛,但他很快就找到了自己的状态。

东契奇在前五次投篮中错失了四次,但在那之后很快就进入了状态。第三节初段,他在杰里米·索汉 (Jeremy Sochan) 面前投进的一记后撤步三分球似乎让他找到了感觉。

从那以后,马刺就几乎没有机会了。

“我不认为我们打得很好,但我们在上半场很有竞争力,”教练格雷格·波波维奇 (Gregg Popovich) 说。“我们在半场结束时领先,这让我有点惊讶。比赛很草率,但整个晚上队员们都很努力。”

马刺队的杰里米·索汉和朱利安·尚帕尼 (Julian Champagnie) 各得 18 分,新援哈里森·巴恩斯 (Harrison Barnes) 得到 17 分。

克里斯·保罗 (Chris Paul) 和汤普森一样,都是上赛季金州勇士队的弃将,他在马刺队的首秀中得到 3 分和 8 次助攻。

以下是周四揭幕战的三点观察:

  1. 文班亚马的“生锈”是可以预见的

波波维奇上周表示,考虑到文班亚马的季前赛出场时间有限,他预计文班亚马不会以最佳状态开启新赛季。

文班亚马不想证明他的教练是对的,但他确实做到了。

最终的数据在纸面上还算过得去。在上赛季马刺队的两双榜上,他以一个篮板的差距错失了在自己的第二个 NBA 赛季首场比赛中就拿下两双的机会。

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10月24日,达拉斯独行侠队的卢卡·东契奇(77号)从圣安东尼奥马刺队的维克托·文班亚马(1号)手中抢走球,独行侠队的克莱·汤普森(31号)在上半场防守。

除了第四节的一小段时间外,文班亚马似乎从来没有真正进入过状态。

他在第一节早早就被换下场,扎克·科林斯 (Zach Collins) 在比赛还剩 7 分 16 秒时替补出场,当时他看起来已经筋疲力尽了。

当时他两次出手都没有得分,还有两次失误。

到半场结束时,文班亚马 8 投 2 中,得到 6 分,还有 4 次失误。马刺队在那一刻还以 49-47 领先,这简直是个奇迹。

在三分线外 6 投 0 中之后,文班亚马终于在第三节还剩 4:57 时投进了一记三分球。

文班亚马预计自己需要多长时间才能进入常规赛的状态?

“一两场比赛,”文班亚马说。“应该会很快。”

马刺队只能希望这会在周六球队主场迎战休斯顿的比赛中实现。

  1. 卡斯尔初试啼声

在周四上午的球队会议之后,波波维奇找到了卡斯尔 (Stephon Castle),希望能在他首次亮相常规赛之前了解这位备受瞩目的新秀的状态。

“我说,‘你知道,你基本上就是大学二年级的学生,’”波波维奇后来回忆道。“‘在这场比赛的某个时刻,你将要防守这位可能的 NBA 最有价值球员。’这番话对他有点触动。这可不太一样。”

卡斯尔在他的第一场 NBA 常规赛中表现出色。

他在替补出场的 18 分钟内得到 6 分和 5 次助攻,并且在比赛中展现出了自己的实力。

其中一次出现在他上半场第一次替补出场后不久,当时他将球传给了扎克·科林斯,后者完成了一次跳投得分。在第四节,卡斯尔单手将球传给了马拉基·布拉纳姆 (Malaki Branham),后者命中了一记空位三分球。

新秀的第一球! :bucket:@ 斯蒂芬·卡斯尔 pic.twitter.com/3fJcQwoLha

— 圣安东尼奥马刺队 (@spurs) 2024 年 10 月 25 日

与此同时,卡斯尔在 NBA 的第一分来自于第三节还剩 1:47 时,他在底线附近自信地完成了一记跳投。

正如承诺的那样,卡斯尔也有很多时间防守达拉斯的三位精英得分手,轮流防守东契奇、欧文和汤普森(时间很短)。

这些全明星球员偶尔会在他头上得分,但卡斯尔也有自己的高光时刻。

“我认为他很棒,”波波维奇说。“他是个很有竞争力的家伙。”

  1. 一些老问题依然存在

对马刺队来说,周四的失利中有一些时刻感觉像是从上赛季 22 胜 60 负的比赛录像带里剪辑出来的。

篮板球是一个问题,马刺队让对手抢到了 17 个进攻篮板,独行侠队因此得到了 24 个二次进攻得分。马刺队还容易失误,19 次失误让独行侠队又得到了 17 分。

三分线是一个突破口,马刺队在三分线外输了 21 分。

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10 月 24 日,德克萨斯州达拉斯:在达拉斯美航中心的比赛第三节,圣安东尼奥马刺队的朱利安·尚帕尼 (Julian Champagnie) 30 号对阵达拉斯独行侠队的凯里·欧文 (Kyrie Irving) 11 号。

巴恩斯和尚帕尼联手投进了马刺队 12 个三分球中的一半。如果没有他们,马刺队的处境会更加糟糕。

在第四节,独行侠队打出一波 15-2 的进攻高潮,一举奠定了胜局,而这 15 分全部来自三分球——东契奇投进了 3 个,欧文和汤普森各进了一个。

汤普森的那个三分球尤其令人印象深刻,因为当时马刺队的球员距离这位联盟历史上最伟大的射手之一只有 10 英尺远,却眼睁睁地看着他从容地出手,命中了这记空位三分球。

诚然,这只是一场比赛,但马刺队在周六的比赛中还有很多问题需要解决。其中很多都是老问题。

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10月24日,德克萨斯州达拉斯:在达拉斯美航中心的比赛第一节,圣安东尼奥马刺队的维克托·文班亚马 (Victor Wembanyama) 1号被达拉斯独行侠队的卢卡·东契奇 (Luka Doncic) 77号防守。

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点击查看原文:3 takeaways from Spurs' season-opening loss to Mavericks

3 takeaways from Spurs’ season-opening loss to Mavericks

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks drives against Jeremy Sochan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter of the game at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

DALLAS — Victor Wembanyama took a glass-half-full, glass-half-empty tack toward his first true NBA game in six months Thursday.

After laboring through a decidedly un-Wemby like performance in a 121-109 loss at Dallas, Wembanyama tried to look on the bright side while also taking responsibility for the lackluster side.

“I think I had some really good basketball moments,” Wembanyama said, “and some really bad ones.”

The same could be said of Wembanyama’s team, which hung tough through an at-times sloppy first half at the American Airlines Center before dropping its third straight season opener.

Luka Doncic had 28 points and 10 rebounds for the Mavericks, who also got 22 points from newcomer Klay Thompson and 15 from Kyrie Irving to transform a two-point halftime deficit into a win going away.

Having played only 39 minutes total over two games in the preseason, Wembanyama never found his groove en route to 17 points and nine rebounds.

He was 5 of 18 from the field and 1 of 8 from 3-point range, salvaging his scoring night with a 6-of-6 effort from the foul line.

Wembanyama said he felt like his conditioning was off, as well as his timing. He was not surprised by this.

“None of us really have played (recently),” Wembanyama said. “It’s a struggle every player in the NBA goes through.”

Tell that to Doncic, who wasted little time finding his form despite playing in zero preseason games for the Mavs.

Doncic missed four of his first five shots, but fell into a groove rather quickly after that. A step-back 3-pointer over Jeremy Sochan early in the third quarter seemed to get Doncic going.

The Spurs had little chance from there.

“I don’t think we played well, but we competed in the first half,” coach Gregg Popovich said. “We were ahead at half, which kind of surprised me. It was sloppy, but the effort was there all night.”

The Spurs got 18 points apiece from Jeremy Sochan and Julian Champagnie and 17 from newcomer Harrison Barnes.

Chris Paul, like Thompson a castoff from last year’s Golden State team, logged three points and eight assists in his Spurs debut.

Here are three takeaways from Thursday’s opener:

1. Wembanyama’s rust was predictable

Popovich said last week he did not expect Wembanyama to open the season in top form after a limited preseason.

Wembanyama did not want to prove his coach right, but he did anyway.

The final numbers were passable enough on paper. He finished one rebound shy of opening his second NBA season with a double-double after leading the Spurs in that category last season.

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The Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic (77) takes the ball away from the San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama (1) as the Mavs’ Klay Thompson (31) defends during the first half at American Airlines Center on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Dallas.

Save for one small stretch of the fourth quarter, Wembanyama never really seemed in sync.

He checked out early in the first quarter, replaced by Zach Collins with 7:16 to go, and looked gassed.

He had zero points on two shot attempts and two turnovers at that point.

By halftime, Wembanyama had six points on 2 of 8 shooting with four turnovers. It was a wonder the Spurs led 49-47 at that point.

After starting the game 0 for 6 from 3-point range, Wembanyama finally swished one with 4:57 remaining in the third.

How long does Wembanyama expect it will take him to get into a regular season flow?

“One or two games,” Wembanyama said. “It should be quick.”

The Spurs can only hope that comes Saturday in the team’s home opener against Houston.

2. Castle gets feet wet

After a team meeting Thursday morning, Popovich approached Castle hoping to take the temperature of his prized rookie leading into his regular season debut.

“I said, ‘You know, basically you’re a sophomore in college,’ ” Popovich recounted later. “ ‘At some point in the game, you’re going to guard the possible MVP of the NBA.’ It kind of hit him. It’s a little different.”

Castle more than held his own in his first taste of the bright lights of the NBA regular season.

He scored six points with five assists in 18 minutes off the bench and had moments that showed he belonged.

One came early in his first shift in the first half, when he dumped the ball to a diving Zach Collins for a basket. In the fourth quarter, Castle hit Malaki Branham with a one-handed cross court pass for an open 3-pointer.

Rook’s first bucket! :bucket: @ StephonCastle pic.twitter.com/3fJcQwoLha

— San Antonio Spurs (@ spurs) October 25, 2024

Castle’s first NBA points, meanwhile, came on a confident pull-up jumper along the baseline with 1:47 remaining in the third.

As promised, Castle also saw plenty of time guarding Dallas’ triumvirate of elite scorers, taking turns against Doncic, Irving and, briefly, Thompson.

Those All-Stars got him on occasion, but Castle had his moments too.

“I thought he was great,” Popovich said. “He’s a competitive son of a gun.”

3. A few familiar problems persist

For the Spurs, there were moments of Thursday’s defeat that felt like they might have come out of game tape from last season’s 22-60 season.

Rebounding was an issue, with the Spurs giving up 17 offensive boards good for 24 Dallas second-chance points. The Spurs were turnover prone, with 19 miscues giving way to another 17 points for the Mavericks.

The 3-point line was a breaking point, with the Spurs getting outscored from the arc by 21 points.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Julian Champagnie #30 of the San Antonio Spurs drives against Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks during the third quarter at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

Barnes and Champagnie combined for half of the Spurs’ 12 made 3-pointers. They would have been really sunk without them.

When the Mavericks blew the game open with a 15-2 run in the fourth quarter, all of those points came on 3-pointers — three from Doncic and one apiece from Irving and Thompson.

Thompson’s was especially egregious, as the Spurs stood 10 feet away from one of the greatest shooters in league history and let him practically check the wind before firing up the wide-open 3-pointer.

It was a one-game sample size, to be sure, but the Spurs will head into Saturday’s game with plenty to clean up. Much of the mess is a familiar one.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs is defended by Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter of the game at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Klay Thompson #31 of the Dallas Mavericks is defended by Chris Paul #3 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter of the game at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks drives agianst Blake Wesley #14 and Jeremy Sochan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs is defended by Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks as Daniel Gafford #21 looks on during the first quarter of the game at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reaches for a loose ball while playing the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter of the game at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs looks on while playing the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter of the game at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Daniel Gafford #21 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates against the San Antonio Spurs during the third quarter at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Klay Thompson #31 of the Dallas Mavericks congratulates Luka Doncic #77 on his three-point basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the third quarter at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Daniel Gafford #21 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates against the San Antonio Spurs during the third quarter at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Daniel Gafford #21 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates against the San Antonio Spurs during the third quarter at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts while playing the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter of the game at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Klay Thompson #31 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts after scoring against the San Antonio Spurs during the third quarter at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: P.J. Washington #25 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots against Jeremy Sochan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Chris Paul #3 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots against P.J. Washington #25 of the Dallas Mavericks during the third quarter at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs is defended by Dereck Lively II #2 of the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter of the game at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after being called for traveling while playing the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter of the game at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks drives against Blake Wesley #14 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks drives against Jeremy Sochan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks drives against Zach Collins #23 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs and teammate Chris Paul #3 look on while playing the Dallas Mavericks during the second quarter at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks drives against Julian Champagnie #30 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter of the game at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs waits to enter the game against the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter of the game at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks drives against the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter of the game at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on as they play the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. The Dallas Mavericks won 120-109.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs passes to teammate Jeremy Sochan #10 against Maxi Kleber #42 of the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Blake Wesley #14 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots against the Dallas Mavericks in the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. The Dallas Mavericks won 120-109.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Dereck Lively II #2 of the Dallas Mavericks defends against Malaki Branham #22 of the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. The Dallas Mavericks won 120-109.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Dereck Lively II #2 of the Dallas Mavericks defends against Malaki Branham #22 of the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. The Dallas Mavericks won 120-109.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Sandro Mamukelashvili #54 of the San Antonio Spurs drives against Dereck Lively II #2 of the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Dereck Lively II #2 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates after scoring alongside teammate P.J. Washington #25 as they play the San Antonio Spurs in the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots against Daniel Gafford #21 of the Dallas Mavericks during the third quarter at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama, right, is defended by Dallas Mavericks’ guard Luka Doncic, front left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)

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Dallas Mavericks’ guard Klay Thompson (31) is defended by San Antonio Spurs’ guard Chris Paul (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)

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Dallas Mavericks’ guard Luka Doncic calls a play during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)

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San Antonio Spurs’ center Victor Wembanyama, foreground, drives to the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)

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San Antonio Spurs’ Jeremy Sochan (10) drives against Dallas Mavericks’ Daniel Gafford (21) as Spurs’ Zach Collins (23) looks on during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)

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Dallas Mavericks’ guard Luka Doncic, left, is defended by San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)

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San Antonio Spurs’ Harrison Barnes (40) drives against Dallas Mavericks’ Klay Thompson (31) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)

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San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama, right, drives against Dallas Mavericks’ Dereck Lively II, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)

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San Antonio Spurs’ Chris Paul (3) is defended by Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)

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San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama, center, is forced to turn over the ball by Dallas Mavericks’ Jaden Hardy, left, and Daniel Gafford (21) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)

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San Antonio Spurs’ Chris Paul (3) collides with Dallas Mavericks’ Jaden Hardy (1) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)

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San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, center right, is defended by Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber, center left, as he shoots a jump shot during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)

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Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic (77) shoots a jump shot as he is guarded by San Antonio Spurs’ Jeremy Sochan (10) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)

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Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic, top left, makes a layup as he is guarded by San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (10) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)

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Dallas Mavericks’ guard Klay Thompson (31) goes for a layup as he is guarded by San Antonio Spurs’ forward Julian Champagnie (30) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)

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Dallas Mavericks’ guard Klay Thompson drives to the basket during the second half in an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)

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Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic , front left, makes a no-look pass behind him through San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama’s arms during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)

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Dallas Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving (11) drives to the basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)

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Dallas Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy, bottom, drives against San Antonio Spurs forward Zach Collins, top, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)

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Dallas Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving (11) drives to the basket past San Antonio Spurs’ Keldon Johnson (0), Julian Champagnie (30) and forward Zach Collins (23) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)

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Dallas Mavericks’ Klay Thompson, second from left, and Dallas Mavericks’ Quentin Grimes, right, force a turnover against San Antonio Spurs’ Jeremy Sochan, second from right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)

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Dallas Mavericks’ Dereck Lively II (2) pulls down a rebound as San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama (1) and forward Harrison Barnes, right, reach for the ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks is introduced before taking on the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter of the game at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs arrives before playing the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Head coach Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks reacts as they play the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter of the game at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles against the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter of the game at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on before playing the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

By Jeff McDonald, Staff Writer, via San Antonio Express-News