Spurs’ Wembanyama scores 40 in triumphant NBA return

LOS ANGELES: Victor Wembanyama scored 40 points in a sensational NBA return on Wednesday, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 125-92 season-opening victory over the Dallas Mavericks.

The 21-year-old French star hadn’t played since he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder that required surgery in February.

But he launched his third season with a dazzling display on both ends of the floor, adding 15 rebounds, a steal and three blocked shots.

Already known for his combination of size and agility, Wembanyama showed off new strength and was virtually unstoppable at the rim.

He connected on 15 of his 21 attempts, including seven of eight in the second half.

“All dreams are allowed now,” he told broadcaster ESPN. “I’m just glad to be back.”

He set a new Spurs franchise record for most points in a season opener, dominating his matchup with Dallas forward Anthony Davis, who led the Mavs with 22 points and 13 rebounds.

San Antonio’s Stephon Castle, who followed in Wembanyama’s footsteps in winning Rookie of the Year honors last season, added 22 points.

But it was a sometimes rocky NBA debut for Dallas’s 18-year-old No. 1 draft pick Cooper Flagg, who had zero first-half points but finished with a respectable double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Edgecombe shines

Philadelphia’s third overall draft pick VJ Edgecombe made a stellar NBA debut, scoring 34 points with seven rebounds and three assists in the 76ers’ 117-116 victory over the Celtics in Boston.

Edgecombe’s points were the most in an NBA debut since Wilt Chamberlain’s 43 in 1959 and the third-most in a debut game ever.

He broke Allen Iverson’s franchise record for points in a debut of 30, his 14 first-quarter points breaking a record of 12