Sergio de Larrea recorded his breakout performance in the NBA on Saturday night, leading the Dallas Mavericks with 21 points in a 122-106 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. The 20-year-old rookie point guard from Valladolid capitalized on the absence of teammates Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg to anchor the Mavericks’ offense during the Texas derby.
Breakout Night in the Texas Derby
De Larrea logged 33 minutes on the floor after playing a total of just eight minutes across his first two regular-season appearances. Selected 25th overall in the recent NBA draft, the Spanish guard shot nine of 15 from the field, including three of four from beyond the arc, while adding five rebounds and four assists to lead all Dallas scorers. His aggressive play forced San Antonio head coach Mitch Johnson to cycle through multiple defensive options, including guards De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, and Stephon Castle, in an effort to contain him.
The Mavericks mounted a challenge in the second half, briefly taking an 85-84 lead in the third period before the Spurs pulled away in the final frame. San Antonio secured its first victory of the season behind 23 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks from Victor Wembanyama, alongside 19 points apiece from Fox and Castle. A decisive 11-0 run in the fourth quarter ultimately sealed the outcome for the hosts.
Transition to the NBA Stage
The milestone performance follows a demanding adjustment period for the young guard. In interviews leading up to the season with Radio Marca, De Larrea credited fellow Spaniard Santi Aldama as an essential support system in Dallas, describing his presence as an angel fallen from the sky.
He also pointed to Kyrie Irving as a primary influence now turned teammate, while maintaining ambitions to eventually face off against Luka Doncic, whom he previously highlighted as a major target on his professional calendar.
De Larrea’s path to the NBA runs through a historic milestone for his home region, as he became the first player from Valladolid to play in the league, and the 21st Spanish player overall to make an NBA appearance, according to records from the Federación de Baloncesto de Castilla y León. His debut came against the Houston Rockets in a 128-110 defeat where he registered two rebounds and one assist in seven minutes of action.
Mavericks Integrate Rookie Backcourt During Compressed Schedule
The Mavericks continue a compressed early-season schedule that features five games in eight days. Dallas will look to integrate its rookie backcourt contributor further into the rotation as the team awaits the return of its sidelined veterans.
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