The San Antonio Spurs are turning heads this season, and it's been a thrill to watch. After struggling in recent years, they've flipped the script in 2025-26, boasting a 42-16 record and sitting at No. 2 in the Western Conference. Riding a 10-game win streak, their first of the 2020s, they're just two games shy of the top-seeded OKC Thunder.
What's remarkable is the balance and resilience of this squad. Victor Wembanyama is leading the charge, but the contributions from young talents like Castle, Fox, and Champagnie, alongside veteran Harrison Barnes, have created a perfect storm. The big question is whether they’re genuine title contenders or just riding a hot streak.
Some NBA legends are already convinced. Steve Nash, during pre-game coverage on Prime, highlighted San Antonio's rise as a major threat. He noted that while most successful franchises earn their stripes through playoff battles, the Spurs might be an exception.
“I believe in common experiences and playoff scars, but if there’s ever been a team to challenge that, it’s the San Antonio Spurs. They are like something we’ve never seen because of one guy, Victor Wembanyama. So you can’t really compare them to any teams that came before us,” Nash stated.
And he's onto something. This young squad lacks extensive playoff experience, with Barnes being the most seasoned in postseason play. Yet, led by Wembanyama, they’re defying traditional norms and seem ready for the big stage.
“Maybe they are a team that can challenge before their time,” Nash added. “You look at their guard play, terrific young players along with Fox.
But Wemby’s differential at both ends of the floor. He’s such a difference-maker.
It really puts them in a position where they could be a contender this early.”
Wembanyama's impact is undeniable. His presence disrupts opponents' strategies on both ends, making scorers hesitate and defenders rethink their approach. His combination of talent and drive to win is formidable.
At some point, the question shifts from whether it's too soon for them to contend to who can actually stop them. The West is competitive, but the Spurs don’t feel like a fluke-they feel inevitable. Wembanyama changes the game in ways we haven't seen before, and the team's confidence is only growing.
If this is ahead of schedule, it should send chills through the league. The Spurs aren't just a feel-good story; they look like the next big challenge. With endorsements from legends like Nash, the rest of the West, including the reigning champion Thunder, should brace for the new powerhouse on the block.