When Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle both went down with injuries earlier in November, it felt like the kind of blow that could derail an entire season. Two of the Spurs’ brightest young stars sidelined?
It was easy to assume San Antonio would slip in the standings and struggle to keep pace with the Western Conference elite. But instead of folding, the Spurs have responded with resilience - and more than that, they’ve revealed a level of depth and discipline that’s been nothing short of impressive.
This recent stretch without Wembanyama and Castle has shown us a lot about what this team is made of. They've stayed competitive, they've stayed composed, and perhaps most importantly, they’ve taken care of the basketball like seasoned pros. That last point might not make the highlight reel, but it’s been the quiet engine driving their success.
Ball Security: The Spurs’ Secret Weapon
Let’s talk about the stat that’s turning heads in league circles. The Spurs’ most-used starting lineup during this stretch - featuring De’Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, Scottie Barnes, and Luke Kornet - is posting a turnover rate of just 9.5%.
That puts them in the 95th percentile of all NBA lineup combinations. In other words, they’re taking care of the ball better than nearly everyone else in the league.
In today’s NBA, where transition offense is king and turnovers often lead to fast-break points, that kind of ball security is a game-changer. Teams like the Thunder, Rockets, and Pistons feast on sloppy play, turning mistakes into momentum.
The Spurs, by contrast, are denying those teams their favorite meals. By limiting giveaways, they’re forcing opponents to grind out half-court possessions - and that’s a much tougher way to score.
De’Aaron Fox: The Steady Hand
A lot of this starts with De’Aaron Fox. With Wembanyama and Castle out, Fox has taken the reins of the offense and hasn’t blinked.
He’s controlling the tempo, making the right reads, and keeping the ball out of harm’s way. That’s veteran leadership in action, and it’s exactly what the Spurs needed to weather this storm.
Fox isn’t just managing the game - he’s elevating the play of those around him. His ability to get downhill, draw defenders, and kick out to open shooters has kept the offense humming. And he’s doing it without forcing the issue, which is a big reason why the turnover numbers are so low.
Vassell, Champagnie, and the Supporting Cast Step Up
Devin Vassell has also stepped up in a big way. Given more on-ball responsibility, he’s responded with poise and production - including a career night in Denver that showed just how much he’s grown. He’s not just scoring; he’s making smart decisions, keeping the offense flowing, and playing within himself.
Julian Champagnie and Scottie Barnes have followed suit, bringing energy and discipline on both ends. Kornet has provided solid minutes in the frontcourt, doing the dirty work and staying within his role. This isn’t a team that’s winning because one player is carrying the load - it’s a collective effort, and that’s what makes it sustainable.
A Blueprint for the Road Ahead
What the Spurs are doing right now isn’t flashy, but it’s incredibly effective. They’re proving that you don’t need to dominate the highlight reels to win games - sometimes, all it takes is taking care of the ball, playing smart, and trusting your system.
As Wembanyama and Castle work their way back, the Spurs are building something real. This stretch has shown that they’re deeper than people thought, more disciplined than expected, and capable of competing even without their top stars.
If they can keep this up - especially the ball security - they’re going to be a tough out for anyone in the West. The giants are looming, sure. But if the Spurs keep playing this clean, connected brand of basketball, don’t be surprised if they start toppling a few of them.