NBA: Luka Doncic led from the front as Dallas Mavericks spoiled the NBA debut of No. 1 draft pick Victor Wembanyama.

Victor Wembanyama impressed in his NBA debut, but Luka Doncic was the star of the show, as the Dallas Mavericks outclassed the San Antonio Spurs 126-119 in the NBA new season. The Mavs improved to 1-0 on the season.

Doncic posted 33 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists only hours after being cleared to play as he deals with a left calf strain.

Wembanyama, the 7-foot-4, 19-year-old forward from France who was the league's top draft pick, finished with just 15 points and struggled with foul trouble. He played 23 minutes and scored nine of his points in the fourth quarter.

After a solid start from the Spurs, the Mavericks were able to rally in the third quarter and hold on to their lead in the home stretch.

Despite the Mavs' goal of being a much-improved team on defense this season, their personnel choices in the first quarter didn't get it done, allowing the Spurs to score 43 points. 

San Antonio converted from 3-point range at a high clip and found success having jumbo personnel with Jeremy Sochan playing the one and Wembanyama at the four to switch and protect the paint. 

Dallas tied the game 52-52 midway through the second period.

However, after a pair of made 3s from Devin Vassell, the Spurs took a game-high 12-point lead late in the second quarter. 

Dallas responded before the break, with Grant Williams scoring six of the team's following eight points. San Antonio led 68-64 at halftime. 

Dallas forced two turnovers in the final minute to preserve the victory. Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving added 22 points and Grant Williams added 17 points in the season opener for both teams.