The Spurs comeback season is turning heads across the NBA
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The Spurs after their win against the Lakers. Photo: Ronald Cortes via Getty Images
After a rocky year marked by Victor Wembanyama's health issues and Gregg Popovich's retirement, the Spurs are playoff contenders for the first time since 2019.
Why it matters: The strong first half of the season has reenergized Spurs fandom. Social media trash talk is flying, rivalries feel real again — and even celebratory honking has reemerged downtown.
Catch up quick: The Spurs, 27-12 and second in the Western Conference, are in the middle of a brutal stretch against top-tier opponents. They recently beat the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics before blowing a double-digit lead in a Sunday loss to Minnesota.
- On Tuesday, the Spurs face the Oklahoma City Thunder — increasingly a litmus test for success in the league and a budding rivalry.
Between the lines: The Thunder and Denver Nuggets remain title favorites, but the Spurs have surged into the mix after a December run that included three wins over Oklahoma City in 13 days, pushing them up betting boards and national power rankings.
What they're saying: "What was once considered a rebuild has clearly transformed into a realistic title-contending season, all while maintaining the selfless culture instilled by Pop for years," Aidan Sterling, president of the Spurs' fan group, the Jackals, tells Axios.
- "The Spurs are young, hungry and undeniable and that's something to be excited about."
Tom Petrini, who covers the Spurs for Sports Illustrated, tells Axios nobody expected the team to be a real threat, and "even though they have some kinks to work out, they're still second in a loaded Western Conference."
- "Any team can go cold for a stretch, but only a great team could knock off OKC three times in two weeks," Petrini says.
Zoom out: The national spotlight is following. Yahoo Sports recently pegged the Spurs as a long-term thorn in Oklahoma City's side, while NBA insider Zach Lowe called San Antonio the "story of the year" after "flipping the entire NBA season on its head."
What we're watching: Wemby is fifth in Western Conference fan voting for the All-Star Game (Feb. 15), putting him within striking distance of being named a starter if fan support holds — or surges — before voting closes Wednesday night.
What's next: Tuesday's game tips off at 7pm on NBC/Peacock.