NBA Power Rankings: Spurs Crack the Top 5-and They’re Just Getting Started
The Spurs are officially on the national radar, landing at No. 5 in this week’s NBA power rankings. And frankly, it feels overdue.
San Antonio’s been playing like a top-tier team for weeks now, and their 21-7 record backs it up. Only the Thunder (1), Nuggets (2), Knicks (3), and Pistons (4) sit ahead of them, but with the way the Spurs are trending-and the schedule lining up the way it is-they’ve got a real shot to shake up that hierarchy.
We’re a third of the way through the season, and by now, the league knows what this Spurs team is about. This is typically the point where playoff-caliber squads shift from discovery to refinement.
The early stretch is about figuring out your identity. The middle third?
That’s where you sharpen it. And the final push is where it all comes together.
San Antonio’s Identity Is Crystal Clear
The Spurs have already established who they are-and it starts on the defensive end. They’re tough, disciplined, and relentless.
Offensively, it’s not about one guy carrying the load every night-it’s about depth, ball movement, and versatility. And when games get tight, they don’t panic.
They execute. That’s the hallmark of a well-coached, battle-tested team.
Even when they stumble out of the gate or hit a rough patch-like those third-quarter lulls that have become a bit of a calling card-they find ways to stay in games and close strong. That kind of resilience doesn’t show up in a box score, but it wins you games in April and May.
The Road Ahead Won’t Be Easy
San Antonio’s resume already includes wins over some of the league’s best, but the gauntlet isn’t letting up anytime soon. They’ve got back-to-back games against the Thunder coming up-OKC will be hungry for revenge-and matchups with the Knicks and Cavs on deck. According to Tankathon, the Spurs have the third-toughest remaining schedule in the league.
But here’s the thing: this team has already proven it can go toe-to-toe with the NBA’s elite. That experience matters. And with both Denver and OKC facing even tougher roads ahead, the door is open for San Antonio to keep climbing.
The goal at the start of the season was to make the playoffs outright. Now?
They should be thinking bigger. This team has a real shot at a top seed if they keep playing at this level.
Mitch Johnson Deserves His Flowers
First-year head coach Mitch Johnson has been quietly excellent. He’s handled a constantly shifting lineup, managed expectations, and kept the team focused through it all. That’s no small feat, especially when your franchise cornerstone is being brought along cautiously.
Yes, there’s understandable frustration from fans about the limited minutes and conservative approach with Victor Wembanyama. But two things can be true: you can question the load management strategy and still recognize that Johnson has been a steady, effective leader from Day 1.
He’s got this group playing hard, playing smart, and playing together. And now that the roster is finally healthy-even if Wemby’s still on a minutes leash-the results are speaking for themselves.
The Spurs Are Built for the Long Haul
This team isn’t just a feel-good early season story. They’re built to last. They’ve got a clear identity, a coach who knows how to maximize his roster, and a rising star who hasn’t even fully unleashed his potential yet.
When the dust settles at the end of the regular season, expect San Antonio to be right in the thick of the playoff picture-if not leading the charge. Mitch Johnson’s steady hand will be a big reason why.
And the best part? Nothing feels off the table for this group. The Spurs aren’t just back-they’re dangerous.