The San Antonio Spurs are turning a new page-and doing it with style, swagger, and a whole lot of rhythm.
Fresh off a commanding 130-110 win over the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder, the Spurs unveiled what could become a signature tradition at the Frost Bank Center. After the final buzzer, Victor Wembanyama-already the face of this rising squad-grabbed a drumstick and led the home crowd in a booming celebration, pounding a ceremonial drum as fans clapped along. It was a moment that felt both spontaneous and symbolic: the start of something bigger in San Antonio.
The idea, Wembanyama later shared, came in part from the team’s most passionate supporters, a fan section known as The Jackals. And judging by the energy in the building, the city is all in. The vibe around this team is electric-and it’s not just about the theatrics.
San Antonio didn’t just beat Oklahoma City-they overwhelmed them. Coming into the night, the Thunder were expected to come out swinging after their NBA Cup Semifinal loss to the Spurs.
But instead, they ran into a team that’s growing up fast. The Spurs closed the game with a 43-28 fourth quarter, showing poise, depth, and a level of execution that belies their youth.
Keldon Johnson led the charge with 26 points on an ultra-efficient 10-of-16 shooting-impressive enough on its own, but even more so considering he did it in just 22 minutes. Right behind him was Stephon Castle, the reigning Rookie of the Year, who poured in 24. Harrison Barnes added 20, and Dylan Harper-another young standout-racked up 10 assists in just 20 minutes of action.
And here’s the kicker: Wembanyama was on a minutes restriction, and De’Aaron Fox was held to just six points. Yet the Spurs still ran away with it. That’s not just depth-that’s a team with layers, with options, with the kind of versatility that can give any opponent headaches.
Under head coach Mitch Johnson, this group is playing with confidence and cohesion. They’re staying locked in, but they’re also clearly enjoying the ride. And that’s a dangerous combination.
The drumbeat in San Antonio isn’t just for show-it’s a signal. A young, hungry team is finding its identity, and they’re not waiting for permission to make noise in the Western Conference. If this is what they look like now, imagine what happens when Wembanyama is fully unleashed.
One thing’s for sure: the Spurs plan to bang that drum a lot more this season. And if they keep playing like this, they’ll have plenty of reasons to.