The San Antonio Spurs are building something special - and it’s not just on the court. At the heart of the movement is Victor Wembanyama, who’s not only redefining what a 7-foot-4 phenom can do in today’s NBA, but also reshaping the culture around the team. Case in point: The Jackals.
This raucous, high-energy superfan section at Frost Bank Center? That was Wemby’s idea.
Back in September, he personally handpicked the group during a tryout, and since then, they’ve brought a whole new level of noise and energy to Spurs home games. It’s not just for show - their presence is being felt.
They even traveled to Las Vegas to support the team during the NBA Cup Final last week. That’s the kind of buy-in you don’t often see from a fan section, and it’s clear the players are feeding off it.
On Tuesday night, after a dominant 130-110 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder - the defending champs, no less - Wembanyama and the Jackals unveiled a new postgame celebration. It started off a little shaky, but once the crowd got behind it, the energy in the building soared. It was a moment that captured the synergy between a young, evolving team and a passionate fanbase that’s growing right alongside them.
Let’s talk about that win for a second. The Spurs didn’t just beat OKC - they ran them out of the building.
That 20-point blowout marked the Thunder’s worst loss of the season. And it wasn’t a one-off either.
San Antonio has now taken down OKC twice in the last 10 days, signaling that this young Spurs squad is starting to find its rhythm - even with Wembanyama on a minutes limit.
Stephon Castle and Keldon Johnson were the offensive engines in this one, combining for 49 points on an efficient 17-for-28 shooting night. Castle in particular continues to show poise beyond his years, while Johnson’s physicality and shot-making gave OKC fits all night.
Wembanyama, who was listed as questionable before tipoff, suited up and made his presence felt in just 23 minutes. He finished with 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists, and the Spurs were +13 with him on the floor. Even in a limited role, his impact was undeniable - altering shots, moving the ball, and anchoring the defense.
But one of the biggest stories of the night came off the bench. Rookie Dylan Harper, who didn’t start, still managed to leave fingerprints all over the game.
He chipped in four points, but more importantly, dished out 10 assists, snagged five steals, and grabbed three rebounds. His court vision and defensive instincts were on full display, and he helped lead a Spurs bench unit that outscored OKC’s reserves 55-30.
That kind of production from the second unit is what separates good teams from great ones.
It’s worth noting that San Antonio is still being cautious with Wembanyama’s workload. He’s just recently returned from a calf strain that sidelined him for about a month, and the team is clearly focused on the long game. He’ll continue coming off the bench - including for the upcoming Christmas Day matchup in Oklahoma City - but even in spurts, he’s making a massive difference.
Ten days ago, when Wemby first returned to action in the NBA Cup semis against these same Thunder, he dropped 22 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and a steal in just 22 minutes. He was a +21 for the game and scored 14 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter, helping the Spurs edge out a 111-109 win. That version of Wemby reminded everyone what he’s capable of when he’s fully locked in.
Tuesday’s performance wasn’t quite as explosive, but it didn’t need to be. This was a team win - the kind that shows growth, depth, and a rising confidence. And when you factor in the energy from the Jackals and the Frost Bank Center crowd, it’s clear something is brewing in San Antonio.
The Spurs are still a work in progress, but they’re starting to string together performances that suggest they’re ahead of schedule. If Wembanyama keeps building chemistry with this young core - and if the Jackals keep bringing the heat - there’s no telling how high this team can climb.