A Fourth-Quarter Collapse Defines Result
The San Antonio Spurs secured a decisive 122-106 victory against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the American Airlines Center. While the contest remained tightly contested through three quarters, San Antonio’s defensive intensity in the final period proved too much for the home team to overcome.
Early Exchange and Mid-Game Balance
The game began with a seesaw battle in the first quarter. The Spurs took an early lead as Victor Wembanyama converted a free throw, followed by De'Aaron Fox hitting a three-pointer assisted by Stephon Castle. Dallas responded with points from Zaccharie Risacher and Daniel Gafford.
The Mavericks briefly took the lead late in the period thanks to P.J. Washington, but San Antonio finished the quarter 32-31.
The second quarter saw both teams trading baskets. Sergio de Larrea led Dallas with several scoring plays, including a three-pointer and layups, helping the Mavericks take a brief 54-52 lead midway through the period. However, the Spurs answered with key buckets from Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox.
De'Aaron Fox also contributed significantly on the perimeter, hitting multiple jump shots. San Antonio entered halftime with a narrow advantage, reflecting the balanced offensive output from both sides.
Third Quarter Struggle for Dallas
The third quarter opened with Dallas attempting to regain momentum. Sergio de Larrea continued his strong performance, hitting long-range jumpers and driving layups. Marcus Sasser provided playmaking assistance for the Mavericks.
Despite these efforts, the Spurs maintained their composure. Victor Wembanyama scored efficiently, including an alley-oop dunk assisted by De'Aaron Fox. The quarter ended with the Spurs holding a 92-89 lead, setting the stage for a critical fourth quarter.
Defensive Stand and Final Score
The final period was defined by San Antonio’s inability to score effectively against Dallas's defense, while the Spurs pulled away offensively. De'Aaron Fox facilitated the offense with nine assists, including key passes to Stephon Castle and Julian Champagnie for three-pointers. Wembanyama added seven rebounds and scored 23 points, anchoring the Spurs' interior presence.
For Dallas, Sergio de Larrea finished with 21 points, showcasing his scoring ability from various spots on the floor. Daniel Gafford contributed nine rebounds, while Marcus Sasser dished out five assists. However, the Mavericks could not sustain their offensive rhythm in the final minutes. The Spurs closed the game with a barrage of baskets, including three-pointers from Dylan Harper and Ja'Kobi Gillespie.
The victory improved the San Antonio Spurs' record to 1-2, while the Dallas Mavericks fell to 1-2. The game highlighted the competitive nature of this Texas rivalry, though San Antonio’s superior execution in the final frame secured the win.
Sources
ESPN
