DALLAS, 06 February 2026 – The Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs renewed their historic I-35 rivalry on Thursday night at the American Airlines Center, marking a significant clash between two teams on vastly different trajectories this season. While the Spurs (34-16) continue to solidify their standing as a Western Conference powerhouse, the Mavericks (19-31) entered the contest amidst a season-worst five-game losing streak and a roster in the midst of a massive overhaul.
Rivalry Context and Season Standings
The “Texas Tussle” has long been one of the NBA’s most storied rivalries, dating back to 1980. Historically, San Antonio has held the upper hand, leading the all-time regular-season series 117-87. This season has followed that trend; in their previous meeting on 22 October 2025, the Spurs dominated the Mavericks with a 125-92 victory.
Heading into the 05 February match, the Mavericks were the focus of intense league-wide scrutiny following a blockbuster trade that sent 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards. The move, which also involved Jaden Hardy and D’Angelo Russell, signals a full-scale rebuild around rookie sensation Cooper Flagg, while the Spurs continue to build their future around Victor Wembanyama.
Head-to-Head Statistics
The following table outlines the historical and current season data for the Mavericks-Spurs rivalry based on official records:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| First Meeting | 11 October 1980 (Mavericks 103, Spurs 92) |
| All-Time Regular Season Record | Spurs lead 117–87 |
| All-Time Playoff Record | Spurs lead 20–16 (4–2 in series) |
| 2025-26 Season Record | Spurs lead 1–0 (Prior to 05 Feb game) |
| Last Meeting Score | Spurs 125, Mavericks 92 (22 Oct 2025) |
Injury Report: 05 February 2026
Both teams faced significant depth challenges for the Thursday night showdown. The Mavericks were notably thin in the frontcourt following the Anthony Davis trade and ongoing health issues.
- Dallas Mavericks: PJ Washington remained out due to a concussion. Daniel Gafford was listed as day-to-day with an ankle injury but attempted to play. Williams (lower leg) was questionable leading up to tip-off.
- San Antonio Spurs: Jeremy Sochan was ruled out with a left quadriceps strain, his fifth consecutive missed game. Luke Kornet was sidelined with ankle and adductor soreness. Kelly Olynyk (foot) and Dylan Harper (ankle) also remained on the injury list.
The Flagg vs. Wembanyama Era
Despite the Mavericks’ struggling record, the matchup was highly anticipated as a showcase for the NBA’s next generation of superstars. Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks’ cornerstone rookie, faced off against Victor Wembanyama in a battle of versatile “unicorns.” Public sentiment on platforms like Reddit suggests that while Mavericks fans are frustrated with the recent trade of Anthony Davis, the focus has shifted entirely to the development of Flagg as the franchise’s new face.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads the all-time rivalry between the Mavericks and Spurs?
The San Antonio Spurs lead the all-time regular-season series 117-87 and also hold a 20-16 advantage in playoff games.
What was the result of the last game between these two teams?
Prior to the 05 February 2026 game, the Spurs defeated the Mavericks 125-92 on 22 October 2025.
Why did the Mavericks trade Anthony Davis?
The Mavericks traded Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards as part of an eight-player transaction to acquire assets and pivot toward a rebuilding phase centered around rookie Cooper Flagg.
Is Victor Wembanyama playing in the 2025-26 season?
Yes, Victor Wembanyama is active and leading the Spurs, who currently hold one of the best records in the Western Conference at 34-16.