Victor Wembanyama’s debut scores big for ESPN

Oct 25, 2023; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) enters the court before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

Victor Wembanyama’s NBA debut Wednesday night was a ratings hit for ESPN.

The San Antonio Spurs rookie’s opening game against the Dallas Mavericks averaged a 1.7 rating and 2.99 million viewers, according to Sports Media Watch.

It was ESPN’s most-watched opening week game since 3.36 million saw LeBron James make his Los Angeles Lakers debut against the Houston Rockets in 2018.

Wembanyama, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, had 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block in 23 minutes in the Spurs’ 126-119 loss.

The 7-foot-4 Frenchman made 6 of 9 shots from the field, including three 3-pointers.

The Spurs-Mavericks game outpaced both opening night contests on TNT from Tuesday: Lakers-Denver Nuggets (2.84 million) and Phoenix Suns-Golden State Warriors (2.71 million).

–Field Level Media

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