Clash of Titans: Lively vs. Wemby in Opener

As the 2024-2025 NBA season tips off, lots of eyes will be on the American Airlines Center on October 24, where the Dallas Mavericks will once again face the San Antonio Spurs in a highly-anticipated season opener.

This year’s Game 1 will offer a matchup between two of the league’s most intriguing young big men: Dallas’ Dereck Lively and San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama.

This game marks a rematch of last year’s season opener, which ended in a thrilling 126-119 overtime victory for the Mavericks. However, one of the narratives this time around centers on the evolution of these two rising stars and how their individual growth over the past year could shape the outcome of not only this encounter, but each team’s season as a whole.

In last season opener, Victor Wembanyama made an immediate impact in his NBA debut despite getting in early foul trouble, showcased the unique combination of size, skill, and versatility that had scouts salivating leading up to the draft. The 7-4 French phenom tallied 15 points, five rebounds, one block, and two assists, flashing glimpses of his otherworldly potential despite the loss.

On the other hand, Dereck Lively actually outperformed Wembanyama in their first bout, tallying 16 points, 10 rebounds and a block in 31 minutes off the bench.

While many expected Wembanyama to already be the focal point of San Antonio’s offense, Lively unexpectedly played a significant role for Dallas off the bench, making a noteworthy impact despite his limited role behind Dallas’ established stars, Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.

Since that opening night, Wembanyama has cemented himself as the NBA’s premier young talent, earning Rookie of the Year honors after an outstanding campaign where he averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 3.6 blocks per game. His blend of size, length, ball-handling, and shooting ability made him an instant sensation, showcasing a level of potential that has rarely been seen before.

Wembanyama’s summer was equally impressive, as he led France to a Silver Medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics, further refining his game on the international stage. The Spurs will undoubtedly rely on him to anchor both ends of the floor as they look to improve on last year’s rebuilding season.

While Wembanyama’s rise was meteoric, Lively’s growth has been significant in its own right.

The former Duke Blue Devil emerged as a key contributor during the Mavericks’ playoff run, where he posted the highest plus/minus of any rookie since Manu Ginóbili. His regular-season averages of 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game accentuated his value as a defensive anchor and lob threat. However, it was his postseason performance that truly hinted at his potential, particularly his impact in the Western Conference Finals, where his energy and defensive presence were most crucial.

This offseason, Lively focused on expanding his offensive repertoire, particularly his shooting. Videos have surfaced of Lively working on his jumper, specifically in pick-and-pop situations, spacing off drives, and operating out of the mid-post. The potential addition of a reliable jump shot to his arsenal could make Lively a more dangerous and versatile offensive player, particularly when playing alongside the playmaking brilliance of Dončić and Irving.

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Despite the clear advantage Wembanyama holds in terms of skill and intangibles, Lively’s physical tools—his height, length, and mobility—make him one of the few players in the league who can reasonably match up with the French sensation. While Wembanyama’s unique combination of handles and shooting at his size is almost impossible to fully contain, Lively’s defensive prowess and newfound offensive confidence could pose problems for the Spurs’ young star.

Offensively, Lively’s ability to stretch the floor and knock down mid-range jumpers will be tested against Wembanyama’s elite shot-blocking instincts. If Lively can consistently hit shots from the perimeter, it will force Wembanyama to venture further from the basket, potentially opening up driving lanes for Dončić and Irving. On the defensive end, Lively’s task will be to use his length and timing to challenge Wembanyama’s shots and limit his impact in the paint by denying him the basketball.

As the Mavericks and Spurs tip off the season, the spotlight will be firmly on the superstars - and "Wemby'' is now one of those.

However, the matchup between Lively and Wembanyama is incredibly tantalizing, and will generate a lot of attention.

This clash of young big men could represent part of the future of the NBA, with both players poised to be cornerstones of their respective franchises for years to come. While Wembanyama enters the season as the more heralded prospect, Lively’s rapid development and unique skill set make this a battle that could very well define the season opener ... and set the tone for what promises to be an exciting NBA season.