Just one year ago, the San Antonio Spurs were reeling from two of the worst seasons in their storied history. Fast forward to today, and they’re the NBA’s hottest team, celebrating wins like it’s 1999—the year of their first championship. But here’s where it gets controversial: Are the Spurs truly back, or is this just a fleeting moment of glory? Let’s dive in.
The Spurs recently handed the Oklahoma City Thunder their worst defeat of the season, a 130-110 blowout, marking their second win over the Thunder in just 11 days. This victory extended San Antonio’s winning streak to seven games, the league’s longest active streak. Yet, despite the hype, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson downplays any talk of a budding rivalry with the Thunder. “We’re chasing every other single team in this league,” he said, emphasizing their focus on rebuilding rather than competing with the reigning champions. And this is the part most people miss—the Spurs are still in the early stages of their resurgence, even as they sit in second place in the Western Conference.
The two teams face off again on Thursday in Oklahoma City, their third matchup in just two weeks. The Spurs previously edged out the Thunder 111-109 in the NBA Cup semifinals, a testament to their growing consistency. “They’re a really good team,” admitted Thunder forward Jalen Williams, acknowledging the Spurs’ rise. San Antonio’s success isn’t just about one player; they’ve won 14 of 17 games, including victories over powerhouses like the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers, thanks to a balanced roster.
In their latest win, Keldon Johnson (25 points), Stephon Castle (24 points), and Harrison Barnes (20 points) led the charge, outscoring the Thunder 43-28 in the fourth quarter. Even Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, who was questionable due to a calf injury, came off the bench to contribute. “I think it would have been a great game to watch,” Wembanyama said. “I’ll watch it again.” But is Wembanyama the sole reason for the Spurs’ turnaround? Thunder coach Mark Daigneault thinks not. “They’ve got a lot of good guys, they’re well coached, and they played with a great sense of purpose,” he noted.
What’s truly remarkable is the Spurs’ depth—seven different players have led the team in scoring during their winning streak. “We get it done by committee,” Keldon Johnson explained. This team-first mentality is a welcome change for a franchise that missed the playoffs six straight seasons after a record-setting 22 consecutive postseason appearances from 1998 to 2019. Last season’s 34-48 record was a step up from back-to-back 22-60 seasons, but this year’s 5-0 start and current success feel different.
Wembanyama, who grew up watching intense soccer rivalries like Paris Saint-Germain vs. Marseille, isn’t ready to label the Thunder as rivals. Instead, he’s bringing his own brand of fan engagement to San Antonio. After the game, he introduced a new tradition: leading fans in a rhythmic clap using a bass drum, turning the arena into a celebration. “He may have a career in marketing,” joked Harrison Barnes. “The way he got that stadium going was phenomenal.”
So, is this the beginning of a new era for the Spurs? Or is their success just a temporary spike? And does their rivalry with the Thunder have legs, or is it too early to tell? Let us know what you think in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions!
