The San Antonio Spurs are currently sitting in a spot that feels both surreal and completely earned. If you’ve been following the san antonio spurs basketball news lately, you know the vibe in South Texas has shifted from "patiently waiting" to "actually winning." They just dismantled the Milwaukee Bucks 119-101 at the Frost Bank Center. It wasn't even close. By the time the third quarter wrapped up with a 106-69 lead, the arena felt more like a victory party than a high-stakes NBA game.
But honestly? People are still looking at this team through the lens of 2024. That’s a mistake. The Spurs aren't just a lanky French kid and a bunch of "maybe" prospects anymore. They’re 27-13. They are second in the Western Conference as of mid-January 2026. This isn't some flukey hot start; it's a structural evolution that has basically rewritten the timeline of the entire franchise.
The Reality of the "New" Spurs Rotation
You’ve probably seen the headlines about Victor Wembanyama and Keldon Johnson showing up bald for the Bucks game. Keldon joked that Vic did the cutting and didn’t even need a ladder because he made the "Alien" sit down. It’s a funny story, but it points to something deeper: this roster has real chemistry.
The lineup is also way more balanced than it was twelve months ago. Adding De'Aaron Fox changed everything. Having an All-Star level floor general allows Wembanyama to focus on being a secondary creator and a defensive nightmare rather than carrying the entire offensive burden. Stephon Castle, the reigning Rookie of the Year, has also stepped up, putting up 20 points and 8 assists in a recent loss to OKC. The kid is a monster on both ends.
Here is what the current primary rotation actually looks like:
- De'Aaron Fox: The veteran engine. He's the one pushing the pace and getting into the teeth of the defense.
- Stephon Castle: A defensive pest who is slowly becoming a high-level playmaker.
- Harrison Barnes: The steady veteran presence, though he’s struggled a bit lately, leading to some trade chatter.
- Victor Wembanyama: The centerpiece. 24 points, 11 rebounds, and nearly 3 blocks a game.
- Dylan Harper: The rookie who is already showing he can hang, recently netting 12 points against the Thunder.
It’s a mix that works. Usually, rebuilds involve a lot of "empty calorie" stats on bad teams. This isn't that. This is a top-10 offense paired with the third-ranked defense in the league. That’s a profile of a contender, not a lottery team.
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What's Actually Going on with Gregg Popovich?
The most significant san antonio spurs basketball news over the last year hasn't been about a trade or a draft pick. It's been the transition on the sidelines. After Coach Pop suffered a mild stroke in November 2024, the basketball world held its breath. Thankfully, he made a full recovery, but it led to a permanent change. Popovich is now the President of Basketball Operations.
Mitch Johnson has taken the reins as head coach.
If you’re a casual fan, you might not realize how seamless this transition has been. Johnson has been in the system since 2019. He coached the Austin Spurs to a G-League title. He knows the "Spurs Way" better than almost anyone. The team hasn't missed a beat under him, posting that 27-13 record. It’s a testament to the culture Pop built that his departure from the bench didn't result in a collapse. Instead, it feels like the natural passing of the torch.
The Wembanyama "Problem" That Isn't One
People love to talk about Vic's durability. Yes, he’s dealt with a calf strain and a pesky knee bone bruise this season. He’s missed some time, which is why he hasn't consistently appeared on the official NBA stats leaders pages (you have to play 70% of games for that).
But when he’s on the floor? Pure dominance.
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He recently had a streak of over 100 consecutive games with at least one block. Think about that for a second. Every single night for over a year, someone tried to shoot near him and failed. In the win against Milwaukee, he went head-to-head with Giannis Antetokounmpo. While Giannis is the gold standard for physical dominance, Vic’s length and timing are starting to neutralize even the strongest players in the league.
Some critics argue he shoots too many threes. He’s hovering around 34-35% from deep this season. Is that Steph Curry? No. But for a 7-foot-4 human, it’s enough to force defenders to stay glued to him at the perimeter. That space is exactly what De'Aaron Fox needs to slice up defenses. It’s a symbiotic relationship that most teams just can't defend.
Trade Deadline Rumors: Will the Spurs Move?
With the February 5 deadline approaching, the rumor mill is spinning fast. The biggest hole in the roster is arguably at the power forward spot. Harrison Barnes has been great for the culture, but at 33, his production is dipping.
Recent reports from insiders like Chris Haynes suggest the Spurs were sniffing around New Orleans for Trey Murphy III or Herb Jones. Apparently, the Pelicans shut those talks down. They wanted multiple first-round picks, and Brian Wright (Spurs GM) isn't exactly known for overpaying in the "win-now" panic.
There’s also the Jeremy Sochan factor. Sochan is a fan favorite and a defensive Swiss Army knife, but his name has popped up in trade proposals, specifically involving a potential deal for Lauri Markkanen. Would the Spurs trade a piece of their young core for a finished product? It’s unlikely. The front office seems content to let this group grow. They have the Atlanta Hawks’ 2026 pick swap in their back pocket, which could be a goldmine if the Hawks continue to struggle.
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Why This Matters for the Playoffs
The Western Conference is a bloodbath. Oklahoma City is still a juggernaut, and the Nuggets are always lurking. However, the Spurs have a specific advantage: they are elite at home. They’ve turned the Frost Bank Center into a fortress.
The defense is the real story. Ranking 3rd in Defensive Rating isn't just about Wembanyama blocking shots. It’s about the team's ability to switch. Stephon Castle can guard three positions. Devin Vassell (when his thigh injury clears up) is a high-level wing defender. They frustrate teams into bad shots, and then they run.
Most people didn't expect the Spurs to be "scary" until 2027 or 2028. We are ahead of schedule.
Actionable Insights for Spurs Fans
If you're following the san antonio spurs basketball news and trying to gauge where this season is headed, keep your eyes on a few specific metrics over the next month.
- The Power Forward Minutes: Watch how Mitch Johnson rotates Harrison Barnes and Jeremy Sochan. If Barnes' minutes continue to slide, a trade for a rotation big is almost certain.
- Wembanyama’s Health Management: The Spurs are still being cautious. Don't be surprised if he sits one leg of back-to-back games. It’s not about him being "injury-prone"; it’s about ensuring he’s 100% for a deep April run.
- The De'Aaron Fox Effect: Pay attention to the Spurs' record when Fox has 8+ assists. This team is at its best when the ball is moving, not when they rely on Vic to bail them out of late-clock situations.
- Draft Capital Utilization: The Spurs have a mountain of picks. If they don't use them at the deadline, they are likely saving them for a massive "superstar" swing in the 2026 offseason.
The era of "tanking" is officially dead in San Antonio. Whether they make a splashy trade or stand pat, the foundation is solid. This team is playing with house money right now, and that makes them the most dangerous out in the West.
Check the injury reports before the upcoming road trip, especially regarding Devin Vassell’s thigh. His return to the starting lineup will give the bench a much-needed scoring punch with Keldon Johnson leading the second unit. The next few weeks will define if this team is a nice story or a legitimate threat to the throne.