Spurs' Victor Wembanyama hits 65-game MVP threshold with 40-piece vs. Mavs

The young center dominated the Mavericks to qualify for NBA's end-of-season awards.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:49am

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring vibrant brushstrokes of neon colors capturing the raw energy and power of a basketball player's movements, with faces and details dissolving into unrecognizable splatters.Wembanyama's dominant performance solidifies his eligibility for the NBA's top individual honors as the Spurs' rising superstar continues to shine.Denver Today

Victor Wembanyama fulfilled an important requirement to qualify for the NBA's end-of-season awards after his appearance in the San Antonio Spurs' win over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night. Wembanyama, enjoying an incredible campaign throughout his third year in the league, led the Spurs to their first playoff berth since 2019 and their first 60-win season since 2016-17. In 26 minutes of action, he finished with 40 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and a steal, shooting 14-of-23 from the field.

Why it matters

Wembanyama's dominant performance not only helped the Spurs secure a blowout victory over the Mavericks, but it also made him eligible for the NBA's prestigious end-of-season awards, including MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. This milestone solidifies Wembanyama's status as a rising superstar in the league and underscores the Spurs' resurgence as a top contender in the Western Conference.

The details

Seven players scored in double-digits for San Antonio in the 139-120 win, including Wembanyama. De'Aaron Fox delivered a solid outing with 18 points and 10 assists, while Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, Julian Champagnie, Dylan Harper, and Carter Bryant also contributed to the Spurs' offensive outburst. San Antonio improved to a 62-19 record on the season, controlling the second spot in the Western Conference standings behind the Oklahoma City Thunder.

  • Wembanyama fulfilled the 65-game requirement to be eligible for NBA's end-of-season awards on April 11, 2026.
  • The Spurs' win over the Mavericks took place on April 11, 2026.
  • The Spurs' regular season finale against the Nuggets is scheduled for April 12, 2026 at 8:30 p.m. ET.

The players

Victor Wembanyama

A young center for the San Antonio Spurs who is enjoying a breakout third season in the NBA, leading the team to their first playoff berth since 2019 and their first 60-win campaign since 2016-17.

De'Aaron Fox

A Spurs player who delivered a solid outing with 18 points and 10 assists in the win over the Mavericks.

Keldon Johnson

A Spurs player who scored 17 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in the victory.

Harrison Barnes

A Spurs player who had 15 points and 2 rebounds in the game.

Julian Champagnie

A Spurs player who put up 14 points and 7 rebounds in the win.

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What they’re saying

“Victor Wembanyama comes back from his rib injury and delivers while also qualifying for MVP, All-NBA, and DPOY.”

— Brett Siegel, NBA insider

What’s next

The Spurs will look forward to their regular season finale, remaining at home. They host the Nuggets as tip-off will take place on April 12 at 8:30 p.m. ET.

The takeaway

Wembanyama's dominant performance not only helped the Spurs secure a blowout victory over the Mavericks, but it also made him eligible for the NBA's prestigious end-of-season awards, including MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. This milestone solidifies Wembanyama's status as a rising superstar in the league and underscores the Spurs' resurgence as a top contender in the Western Conference.