The San Antonio Spurs are turning heads this season with an impressive performance under the leadership of Mitch Johnson. In his debut as the full-time head coach, Johnson has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, guiding his youthful squad to the second-best record in the Western Conference. Let's dive into the key elements fueling this 10-game winning streak.
First off, this streak marks the Spurs' longest in a decade, harking back to the 2015-16 season when they were a powerhouse with Tim Duncan at the helm. It's been a while since Spurs fans have witnessed such dominance, and it's a breath of fresh air for the franchise.
Currently, the Spurs boast the NBA's longest active win streak. No other team is riding a wave quite like San Antonio, with most others struggling to string together even a couple of victories.
This streak has also secured the Spurs their first winning season since 2018-19, smashing preseason projections that had them hovering around 44.5 wins. With 42 wins already in the bag, it's safe to say they've exceeded expectations.
A major factor in their success has been the defensive prowess of Victor Wembanyama. Over the last 10 games, he's been a shot-blocking machine, averaging 3.6 blocks and 4.9 combined blocks and steals per game. This is a significant uptick from his season averages and has been a cornerstone of San Antonio's defensive strategy.
Offensively, the Spurs have found their groove. Their field-goal percentage has risen to 50.1% during the streak, with six players consistently scoring in double figures. Wembanyama leads the charge with 23.6 points per game, showcasing his all-around game.
The Spurs' high-octane offense has been another highlight. They've ramped up their pace, moving from 17th to second in the league in terms of possessions per 48 minutes.
Coach Johnson emphasizes the importance of playing fast, and the numbers back him up. February’s pace of 104.0 possessions per 48 minutes has been instrumental in their success.
Road games have been no problem for this team, winning seven out of ten away from home, including a challenging Rodeo Road Trip. Their ability to perform in hostile environments, winning by an average of 15.9 points, underscores their resilience and adaptability.
The Spurs aren't just beating up on weaker teams either. Seven of their ten wins have come against playoff-bound opponents, with an average victory margin of 14.4 points. This ability to excel against top-tier competition bodes well for their playoff aspirations.
They've also met the legendary Phil Jackson's "40-20 Rule," hitting 40 wins before 20 losses, a benchmark for championship contenders. Only a handful of teams have achieved this milestone, putting the Spurs in elite company.
Finally, the Spurs have significantly narrowed the gap in the Western Conference standings, trimming a 5.5-game deficit behind the Oklahoma City Thunder to just two games. This surge has them poised to make a serious run at the top spot.
As the Spurs prepare to face the Brooklyn Nets, fans have every reason to be excited. This team is not just winning; they're making a statement. Keep an eye on San Antonio - they’re a team on the rise, and they’re not done yet.