The San Antonio Spurs gave fans an early holiday gift on Christmas Day, pulling off a statement win against the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder. In a game that many expected to tilt in OKC’s favor, the Spurs flipped the script, delivering a 117-102 victory that not only turned heads-but also marked the return of their franchise cornerstone, Victor Wembanyama.
Let’s start with the obvious: Wemby is back. After missing time due to injury, the 7’4” phenom stepped onto the court and logged 26 minutes-his presence alone a major boost for a young Spurs team still finding its identity.
While the stat sheet doesn’t tell the whole story, Wembanyama’s impact was felt immediately. His return wasn’t just about numbers-it was about energy, presence, and the sense that the Spurs are building toward something real.
Adding to the surprise factor? De’Aaron Fox.
The Kings’ star guard suited up in silver and black for the night, and he didn’t disappoint. Fox brought the kind of veteran scoring punch and poise that elevated the Spurs’ offense, helping them control the tempo and keep the Thunder on their heels.
It was a one-off appearance, but it underscored what this young Spurs team could look like with the right pieces around Wembanyama.
But the real headline here is Wembanyama’s health-and for the first time in a while, there’s reason for optimism. According to the team’s latest injury report, Wembanyama’s name is nowhere to be found.
That’s a strong indication he’s cleared to play in the Spurs’ next matchup against the Utah Jazz. For a player who’s already dealt with more than his fair share of health concerns-including a blood-clotting condition that ended his previous season prematurely-this is a huge step forward.
Still, the Spurs are wisely taking a cautious approach. Associate head coach Mitch Johnson made it clear that Wembanyama’s minutes and role will continue to be monitored on a day-to-day basis.
“That’s going to be the plan until it’s not,” Johnson said. “The season’s long and grueling… it’s a treacherous schedule, and so we have to continue to take it day by day.”
That’s the right call. Wembanyama is the kind of generational talent you build a franchise around, and the Spurs know that rushing him back to full throttle too quickly could jeopardize more than just this season. The goal isn’t just to get him back on the floor-it’s to keep him there for the long haul.
In the meantime, San Antonio is starting to show flashes of what this team could be with the right mix of health, development, and roster upgrades. There’s already buzz around potential moves-like a trade for Trey Murphy III-that wouldn’t require the Spurs to go all-in, but could still offer meaningful support for Wembanyama without disrupting the team’s long-term vision.
So while Wemby’s return may not immediately vault the Spurs into title contention, it does something just as important: it gives fans hope. Hope that the team’s centerpiece is healthy.
Hope that the rebuild is on track. And hope that, with the right pieces around him, Victor Wembanyama can lead the Spurs into their next era of greatness.