You think you know the San Antonio basketball team. You probably picture Gregg Popovich’s grumpy sideline interviews, a lot of fundamental mid-range jumpers, and a trophy room that’s basically a museum. But if you haven't been watching lately—specifically this 2025-26 season—you’re basically living in the past.
The Spurs are weird now. In a good way.
They aren't just "the team with the tall French guy" anymore. As of January 18, 2026, the San Antonio Spurs are sitting at a 29-13 record, holding down the second seed in the Western Conference. That’s not a rebuild. That’s a takeover. Honestly, the vibe in the 210 has shifted from "patiently waiting" to "holy crap, we’re actually contenders."
The Wembanyama Leap is Terrifying
Let’s talk about Victor Wembanyama. Most people expected him to be good, but what he’s doing right now is sort of breaking the league’s math. He isn't just a lanky shot-blocker anymore. He’s averaging 24.5 points and nearly 11 rebounds a game, but the defensive stats are the real nightmare fuel. He’s swatting 2.6 shots a night, and that’s actually a dip from his rookie peaks because teams have literally stopped driving into the paint when he’s there.
They just turn around. It’s hilarious to watch.
But the real reason the san antonio basketball team is winning isn't just Wemby’s height. It’s the playmaking. Bringing in De'Aaron Fox changed everything. Before Fox arrived, the Spurs were a collection of talent looking for a compass. Now, they have a blur at point guard who’s averaging about 20 points and 6 assists, keeping the pace at 100.1—which is mid-pack for the NBA, but feels like lightning compared to the old "Slug-fest Spurs" era.
The Mitch Johnson Era
A lot of fans missed this, but Gregg Popovich isn't the head coach anymore. He’s the President of Basketball Operations now. Mitch Johnson took the reins full-time this season after stepping in during Pop’s health scare last year.
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Johnson has this younger, high-energy approach. He’s leaning into guys like Stephon Castle, who’s been a revelation in the backcourt. Castle isn't just a "rookie to watch"—he’s a defensive menace who’s already averaging 1.3 steals.
Project Marvel and the Downtown Move
If you visit San Antonio right now, you’ll hear people talking about "Project Marvel." It sounds like a superhero movie, but it's actually the plan for a massive $3-4 billion sports and entertainment district downtown. The city just approved a $30 million deal to buy a federal building on Cesar Chavez Boulevard using money provided by the Spurs.
The plan? Move the san antonio basketball team out of the Frost Bank Center and into a state-of-the-art arena right in the heart of the city, likely on the old Institute of Texan Cultures site.
- The Funding: Mostly paid for by hotel taxes and tourist fees, not your property taxes.
- The Goal: Connect the East Side to Hemisfair Park.
- The Timeline: 2026 is the year the "sequencing" starts. It’s a mess of construction and planning, but it’s real.
Some folks are worried. They love the Frost Bank Center. But the reality is, the team wants to be where the action is, and a downtown arena is the ultimate power move for a franchise that’s no longer content being "small market."
What Most People Get Wrong About the Roster
You’ve got people saying the Spurs are "too young."
Wrong.
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Look at Harrison Barnes. He’s 33 now. He’s not putting up 20 a night—honestly, his scoring has dipped lately to about 8 points a game—but his presence in the locker room is why Jeremy Sochan has finally found his rhythm as a high-level role player. Sochan is still doing his "nuisance" thing, but he’s more controlled now.
Then there’s Devin Vassell. He’s been out with a left adductor strain lately, which is a bummer, but the depth has held up. When you can lose a guy like Vassell and still beat Milwaukee 119-101 (which they just did on January 15th), you know the system is working.
The Defensive Identity
The Spurs currently have the 3rd best defensive rating in the NBA. Read that again.
$112.1$ points allowed per 100 possessions.
It’s not just Wemby. It’s the way Mitch Johnson has them switching. It’s the way Julian Champagnie and Lindy Waters III play their roles perfectly without needing the ball. They’ve basically built a wall around the rim and forced teams to beat them with contested threes. Most teams can't do it.
Why the Next Three Months Matter
The Spurs are about to hit a brutal stretch of the schedule. They have games against Utah, Houston, and a massive showdown with the 35-8 OKC Thunder on February 4th. That game is basically going to be a preview of the Western Conference Finals.
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The battle between Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren is no longer a "rookie rivalry." It’s a "who owns the league for the next decade" rivalry.
Wait, what about the fans? Attendance has been weird. While the Spurs are 20th in total attendance this year, that’s more about the arena size and ticket prices than lack of interest. The city is obsessed. You can’t walk into a HEB without seeing five people in Wemby jerseys.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you’re following the san antonio basketball team, stop looking at the box scores and start looking at the "gravity."
- Watch Wemby’s off-ball movement: He’s drawing three defenders even when he’s just standing at the elbow. This is opening up lanes for De'Aaron Fox that Fox never had in Sacramento.
- Monitor the Vassell injury: If he’s not back by the All-Star break, the Spurs might need to look at a small trade for another wing shooter.
- Track Project Marvel: The City Council votes in early 2026 will determine if the arena move is a "go" or a "maybe." This impacts the long-term financial health of the franchise.
The "boring" Spurs are dead. Long live the most exciting, terrifying, 7-foot-4-led defensive juggernaut in basketball.
To keep up with the team’s progress, focus on the Net Rating during this upcoming road trip; if they stay in the top 10 while Vassell is sidelined, they are a legitimate threat to win the title this June. Check the official NBA injury reports every Tuesday for updates on the rotation.