Recently, the offseason has been quiet in terms of NBA news. But the San Antonio Spurs made a signing that was a quiet but important splash. By signing 2025 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Billy Donovan as the lead assistant coach under Mitch Johnson, San Antonio didn’t hire someone as a placeholder; they hired someone who can get the team over the edge for a championship run.

Former Spurs assistant coach Sean Sweeney leaving to lead the Orlando Magic as a head coach was a tremendous loss for the team. His impact was undeniable, as he was revered as a defensive mind who elevated Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs’ defense from 25th to 3rd in the league. The defense held opponents to a 105.6 defensive rating, trailing only the New York Knicks.

Let’s take a closer look at how the NBA Finals slipped away when the Spurs faced the Knicks. It wasn’t the defense that failed. Their on-court collapse occurred in the small moments of half-court offensive regression, which ultimately cost the team a championship. Devin Vassell explained why those small moments hurt and changed him as a player moving forward:

“I think with these games in the Finals, it just shows that every possession matters, every little detail matters. You know, you can mess up and stuff in the regular season and kind of get away with it. But obviously, in the Finals, with everything being amplified, one mistake can cost you a game.”

Those mistakes were a reminder of the biggest challenge facing this Spurs team: youth. As Vassell explained, the smallest details can become magnified on the NBA’s biggest stage. During the regular season, a team can make mistakes and sometimes recover. But during the NBA Finals, when scouting is more intense and every possession is more scrutinized, small mistakes can change the outcome of a game.

San Antonio entered the NBA Finals as an oddity. The Spurs were the second-youngest team in NBA history to make it to the Finals, with an average age of just over 25. Their youth led them headfirst into a brutal, unforgiving learning curve led by a New York team that held a veteran edge. That experience advantage eventually led the Knicks to their first ring in 53 years. The Knicks had a war-ready team averaging just shy of 29 years of age, giving them a nearly four-year veteran advantage. In the intense pressure of playoff basketball, that maturity led to smart late-game execution. Where Sweeney’s brilliant defensive blueprints kept the Spurs alive during the season, Donovan will now step in to provide a two-way stabilizer. This ensures their defensive identity not only stays intact but also injects the offensive support required to outlast older teams.

When you take a closer look, Donovan’s hire is also about improving and accelerating the growth of head coach Mitch Johnson. At just 39 years old, Johnson proved he is the future of this franchise, guiding a young core through a Western Conference championship run in his first official year as head coach. Yet, the Finals exposed the learning curve of a young head coach leading an even younger team. When the Knicks made smart second-half adjustments, the Spurs fell into rotational gridlock and struggled with timeout management.

That is where Donovan’s veteran presence becomes an absolute superpower. With 11 seasons of NBA head coaching experience and two NCAA titles under his belt, Donovan provides a basketball clinic in high-level game management. He knows exactly how to read a game, knows when to call a timeout to stop an opponent's run, and can quickly change defensive strategies on short notice. More importantly, Donovan’s elite background acts as a powerful support system for Johnson during a game's most stressful moments. Having a Hall of Fame perspective on the bench simply adds extra weight to Johnson’s toughest decisions. Whether that means altering a complex game plan on the fly or making the hard executive call to bench a key player when the team needs a different spark on the floor, his knowledge is a massive plus.

Donovan’s primary job will be setting Victor Wembanyama completely free on offense. In the past, Donovan’s teams loved to play fast and run the floor, which is exactly the spark this young Spurs group will benefit from moving forward. Instead of just having Wembanyama stand at the 3-point line waiting for the ball, Donovan can use him as a passing playmaker who ignites the entire team. This will keep the group fluid, ensuring the ball never gets stuck in one place. It directly cures the heartbreak of the championship round, where the heavy emotions of a collapsing game took their toll in Game 4, and Wembanyama himself openly admitted that the team fell into moments of “greediness” and “lack of hunger” on the floor. Donovan has spent his whole career figuring out creative ways to make his players shine and lifting his teams to victory when the pressure is at its highest. At his core, Donovan believes in beautiful, unselfish basketball where everyone shares the ball. And as we know, that is the exact heartbeat of what it means to be a San Antonio Spur.

From a cultural standpoint, Donovan’s hire is seamless. It takes a confident and secure individual to transition from a decorated head coaching career to a lead assistant role. As league insiders noted shortly after the hiring, “Being the No. 1 assistant in San Antonio is the best assistant job in the league,” showcasing the massive weight a Spurs assistant coaching position holds across basketball. This ego-free, team-first mentality Donovan has exemplifies the culture former coach Gregg Popovich built within the organization. By providing the bench with Donovan’s wisdom, the Spurs have given Coach Johnson a world-class partner, handed their rookies an elite professor, and insulated their superstar roster with the chess-level push required to cross the finish line. The roster may have changed, but the bench got wiser.

And that is how banners are raised.

The San Antonio Spurs are bringing back David Jones Garcia, announcing Wednesday that the 23-year-old has re-signed on a two-way contract after an impressive 2025-26 showing.

Jones Garcia appeared in 11 games off the bench with San Antonio last season, averaging 2.9 points, 1.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 6.2 minutes per game. His biggest NBA moment came against the Charlotte Hornets on March 14, when he scored a career-high 14 points after earning a call-up from the Austin Spurs.

Jones Garcia told SPURFECT how Spurs fans game him confidence during that game:

In the G-League, Jones Garcia was one of the league’s most productive players, leading Austin with 26.3 points per game while adding 6.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.81 steals across 16 appearances. His standout play earned him a selection to the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars game during NBA All-Star Weekend before a season-ending injury cut his campaign short.

Jones Garcia originally joined San Antonio on a two-way contract in July 2025 after being named to the NBA 2K26 All-Summer League First Team.

Important Disclaimer: This entire article is for entertainment and fun purposes only. Astrology is not a real science, has zero basis in evidence or fact, and should never be taken seriously as prediction, character analysis, or guidance of any kind. We’re just playfully matching real birthdays and zodiac signs to players’ on-court styles, personalities, and energy in a lighthearted way. No actual basketball decisions, scouting reports, or real-world insights are derived from the stars here. For entertainment purposes only.

The San Antonio Spurs head into the 2026-27 season as a nice blend of savvy veterans, rising talent, and gritty depth pieces. Coming off a strong 62-20 record in 2025-26, the roster features elite defense and rim protection from Victor Wembanyama, playmaking and speed from De’Aaron Fox, shooting and two-way versatility from Devin Vassell and others, plus a wave of exciting rookies and two-way contributors. It’s a group that is being structured around a long-term upside.

To make things even more fun, here’s a full cosmic deep dive across the roster. So if you’re interested in the Spurs’ personality traits according to their astrological sign, keep reading, and have a good time.

Head Coach Mitch Johnson- The Total Sag Boss (Sagittarius ♐, November 29th)

It makes total sense the Head Coach of the San Antonio Spurs is a Sagitarrius. Sagittarians are natural bosses. They are naturally bold, optimistic, big-picture kind of leaders who shoot for the stars with enthusiasm and “We got this” energy.

Johnson can balance having visionary leadership and a fiery, competitive edge that lights a fire under the whole team when its time to compete. Pure boss energy all around.

Victor Wembanyama – The Disciplined Goat (Capricorn ♑, January 4th)

Capricorns embody ambition, discipline, patience, responsibility, and steady upward climbs.

Wembyanyama’s game is textbook Capricorn: relentless work ethic, elite defensive instincts that anchor the entire team, and a patient evolution of his game. At just 22, he already carries the franchise like someone twice his age. Expect another season of him being the ultimate “do the work, reap the rewards” force on both ends, total Capricorn energy.

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Stephon Castle – The Passionate Scorpion (Scorpio ♏, November 1st)

Scorpios bring intensity, determination, resourcefulness, loyalty, and a powerful presence that can transform situations. They read the game deeply and strike when it matters.

Castle’s defensive tenacity, two-way impact, and ability to elevate in big moments fit Scorpios perfectly. He plays with quiet fire and controlled aggression. His growth into a reliable starter and leader has that transformative Scorpio energy all over it.

Dylan Harper – The Intuitive, Visionary Dreamer (Pisces ♓, March 2nd)

Pisces are empathetic, creative, highly intuitive, adaptable, and often possess an almost artistic feel for the game. They flow, connect dots others miss, and bring a certain magic.

Harper’s court vision, smooth playmaking, and ability to read defenses in real time channel pure Pisces flow. The young guard creates offense effortlessly and adapts on the fly. His game has that dreamy yet highly effective quality.

Devin Vassell – The Precise Perfectionist (Virgo ♍, August 23rd)

Virgos are detail-oriented, hardworking, reliable, analytical, and constantly refining their craft. They notice everything and deliver consistent excellence.

Vassell’s improved shooting mechanics, defensive awareness, and overall two-way reliability are classic Virgo. He studies the game, tweaks his game, and shows up ready to execute at a high level every single night. His reliability the Spurs count on for spacing and defense are the quintessential Virgo in action.

Julian Champagnie – The Loyal, Protective Heart (Cancer ♋, June 29th)

Happy birthday, Julian! Cancers are nurturing, protective, intuitive, emotional, and deeply loyal. They bring heart, and hustle to teams.

Champagnie’s has a high energy style. His Cancer shell makes him is fiercely protective of loose balls, playing with passion, and doing whatever the team needs. Those on-court skills embody Cancer loyalty and protection perfectly. He’s the ultimate “I’ve got your back” teammate.

De’Aaron Fox – The Optimistic Trailblazer (Sagittarius ♐, December 20th)

Sagittarians are optimistic, adventurous, freedom-loving, philosophical, and full of restless energy. They thrive in open space and bring excitement and big-picture leadership.

Fox’s speed, transition magic, flashy finishes, and positive leadership energy are pure Sagittarius. He pushes the pace fearlessly and brings that “let’s go explore and dominate” vibe to the backcourt. A perfect veteran spark for this young core.

Keldon Johnson – The Charming Diplomat (Libra ♎, October 11th)

Libras seek harmony, balance, charm, and fairness. They’re social, likable, and often the glue that keeps group dynamics smooth and positive.

Johnson’s energetic, fan-friendly presence, versatile contributions, and consistent motor fit Libra beautifully. He brings good vibes, plays hard on both ends, and helps maintain that balanced team chemistry the Spurs value so highly. That balance showed the most last season, as he was awarded 6th Man of the Year for bringing the Spurs together.

Harrison Barnes – The Versatile Communicator (Gemini ♊, May 30th)

Geminis are adaptable, curious, communicative, witty, and multi-talented. They thrive in varied roles and bring intelligence plus versatility.

Barnes’ veteran leadership, shooting range, intelligence, and seamless fit into multiple lineups are classic Gemini duality. At 34, he continues to contribute smart basketball, space the floor, and mentor the young guys. His Gemini traits are exactly the adaptable, wise presence a contending team needs.

Kelly Olynyk – The Bold Ram (Aries ♈, April 19th)

Aries are energetic, pioneering, bold, competitive, courageous, and direct. They charge forward with initiative and aren’t afraid to take the lead or try new things.

Olynyk brings that classic Aries fire as a veteran big with shooting range, passing vision, and a willingness to stretch the floor or make the extra pass. His experience and willingness to adapt show the pioneering Aries spirit. Olynyk’s not afraid to reinvent his role for the team’s success.

Carter Bryant – The Chill Fire (Sagittarius ♐, November 26th)

Sagittarians (same sign as Fox) are optimistic, adventurous, freedom-loving, and full of big-hearted energy. They’re often the life of the party off the court while bringing explosive play on it.

Carter Bryant perfectly matches the Sagittarius vibe: a total fan favorite with that chill, cool-guy demeanor and a genuinely big heart. Teammates and observers consistently note how everything he says lands in a really cool, positive, laid-back way. Bryant is approachable, kind, and brings great energy anyone he comes in contact with. But on the court? Pure aggressive Sagittarius fire. He plays with intensity and shows that fearless all-or-nothing attitude his sign embodies. It’s the classic Sag duality: super chill and big-hearted off the floor, but competitive and aggressive when the ball is tipped.

Luke Kornet – The Laid-Back Yet Protective Crab (Cancer ♋, July 15th)

Cancers are nurturing, protective, intuitive, emotional, and loyal. July Cancers (like Kornet) often lean into the more expressive, humorous, and spiritually attuned side of the sign compared to the earlier June ones like his teammate, Julian Champagnie (June 29th).

Kornet brings that perfect July Cancer mix: funny and chill in his demeanor, yet deeply protective of his role and teammates. He’s known for his sense of humor and easygoing personality that lightens the mood, but when it’s game time he’s a team-first big who does the work without complaining. That protective, nurturing Cancer energymakes him a steady, positive veteran presence who looks out for the younger guys while bringing his own unique flavor to the frontcourt.

Rookies & Depth Players - Quick Cosmic Hits

Here are the rest of the roster with quick birthdays.

• Jayden Quaintance (July 11th) – Cancer ♋ Much like Julian Champagnie and Luke Kornet’s energy. Protective and team-oriented vibe expected from the young big.

• Tarris Reed Jr. (August 5th) – Leo ♌ Bold, charismatic, leadership potential like a lion on the court.

• Maliq Brown (November 16th) – Scorpio ♏ Much like Castle’s intense, determined sign. Expect defensive grit.

• Harrison Ingram (November 27th) – Sagittarius ♐ Same adventurous sign as Fox and Bryant, providing speed and optimism.

• Ja’Kobi Gillespie (March 10th) – Pisces ♓ Like Harper, he has intuitive playmaking potential.

• Emanuel Miller (June 19th) – Gemini ♊ Versatile, adaptable energy.

• Lindy Waters III (July 28th) – Leo ♌ Bold, confident shooting and presence.

• David Jones Garcia (November 24th) – Sagittarius ♐ Explosive, freedom-loving scoring ability.

• Bismack Biyombo (August 28th) – Virgo ♍ Detail-oriented, hardworking, reliable big-man presence and leadership.

• Jordan McLaughlin (April 9th) – Aries ♈ Energetic, pioneering playmaking spark.

• Mason Plumlee (March 5th) – Pisces ♓ Intuitive passing and veteran feel for the game.

If you’re into astrology and have any birthday twins with Spurs players, drop them in the comments! We’d love to hear who shares your cosmic connection.

Today’s article was inspired by the Carolina’s birthday twin, Julian Champagnie (June 29th). Happy Birthday, Julian! Champagnie shares the same special day with former Spur Kawhi Leonard.

The Spurs had an incredible 2025-26 season, boasting one of the league’s top defenses and strong offensive output. Victor Wembanyama anchored everything with elite rim protection, blocks, and versatility. However, the team showed statistical gaps in frontcourt depth, rebounding (especially defensive rebounding percentage and battles under the paint when Wemby was off the floor or in physical matchups), and consistent interior physicality.

These issues manifested in occasional struggles against bigger, more physical fronts. The roster needed a more traditional big-man presence to complement Wembanyama, improve team rebounding rates, and add rim protection without relying solely on him.

Enter the 2026-27 NBA Draft class. The Spurs selected impactful rookies, with a clear emphasis on frontcourt help. Key picks included:

Jayden Quaintance (F-C, Kentucky)

Tarris Reed Jr. (C, UConn)

Ja’Kobi Gillespie (G, Tennessee)

Maliq Brown (F, Duke)

These additions directly target the team’s statistical shortcomings in rebounding percentage, interior defense, and big-man depth. Here’s a breakdown of how they help, with a focus on the bigs.

Spurs Areas Of Improvement (2025-26 Context):

Rebounding: The Spurs were competitive overall but had vulnerabilities in defensive rebounding percentage and offensive rebounding battles, especially vs. physical teams or when Wembanyama rested. Previews and fan discussions highlighted concerns about second-chance points allowed and paint control. Playoff numbers showed solid totals in stretches, but consistency under the basket was an area for growth.

Interior Defense & Physicality: Elite team defense was consistent among certain players, but there was an overreliance on Wembanyama for rim protection. The team needed more bodies who could provide a strong power forward/center presence to reduce foul trouble or fatigue on stars.

Depth at PF/C: Limited traditional bigs behind Wembanyama led to matchup issues in prolonged series.

The new rookies (especially the bigs) can help improve team rebounds per game, defensive rebounding percentage, blocks per game, and paint defense efficiency by adding physicality, motor, and versatility.

Spotlight on the Bigs: Addressing Rebounding, Blocking & Interior Defense:

Jayden Quaintance (F-C)

Strengths: Young athletic big with elite defensive instincts, blocks, and rebounding. Can guard multiple positions and protect the rim.

How He Helps the Spurs: Provides long-term depth and versatility at PF/C. Adds another layer of rim protection and rebounding to complement Wembanyama and Reed. Helps improve team defensive efficiency and rebounding rates with his athleticism and motor. Ideal for development into a switchable big who contributes to second-chance opportunities.

Developmental Outlook: The X-Factor here is his health. Because an injury kept him off the court for almost all of last season, his immediate availability and consistency figure to be a work in progress. It is completely natural that it might take him some time to get his feet under him and adjust to the NBA. Luckily, he is in the best possible place. The Spurs medical staff are known for being incredibly patient with recovery. The staff won’t rush him until he is completely ready to go.

As Spurs General Manager Brian Wright noted regarding the medical evaluation:

Tarris Reed Jr. (C/PF)

Strengths: Physical, high-motor rebounder who boxes out relentlessly, uses strength and timing to control the glass on both ends. He’s a physical player who holds position in the paint, absorbs contact, and finishes through it. He also has a high offensive rebounding upside for second chances.

How He Helps the Spurs: Directly plugs the rebounding and interior defense gaps. His addition can reduce Wembanyama’s defensive load. His rebounding dominance should translate immediately off the bench or situational starter, helping in games where the team previously struggled for second chances or paint control during the playoffs.

While the first-round picks will be focusing on health and adjusting to the main roster, the Spurs also added depth later in the draft with a couple of defensive gems who have an exciting, patient path ahead of them.

Maliq Brown (F, Duke):

Strengths: Ultra-disruptive defender, good rebounder, high motor, switchable (perimeter to rim).

How He Helps the Spurs: Bolsters perimeter-to-interior defense and team rebounding. Adds versatility that reduces reliance on any single player for critical stops.

Ja’Kobi Gillespie (G, Tenn):

Strengths: Adds guard depth with defensive upside as he is a competitive defender. Supports the bigs by improving overall team defense and spacing.

How He Helps the Spurs: Down the line, look for Gillespie to earn a spot as a spark plug off the bench. He has the potential to pack a scoring punch, be a playmaker, and provide a defensive edge that takes pressure off the starting guards.

The Next Step: G-League Path

• Reality: Because the main Spurs roster is already so deep after a great season, expect Brown and Gillespie to spend a good chunk of their rookie seasons playing major minutes for the Austin Spurs in the G-League.

• The Purpose: Rather than having their draft picks sit on the bench, the Spurs love using Austin as a premium training ground to give young players actual game time to grow.

• The Long Game: While this means their immediate impact might be limited, it is the perfect setup for them to find their professional footing and become potential contributors in future seasons.

Projected Impact for 2026-27

These additions position the Spurs for even better balance. Statistically:

Rebounding: Reed, Quaintance and Brown should push team rebounds and defensive rebound percentage higher, addressing prior inconsistencies.

Defense: More rim protection and versatility could maintain or improve the already-elite defensive Rating while reducing Wemby’s minutes burden.

Overall: Better frontcourt depth means more consistent second-chance creations.

The class emphasizes high-motor, defensive-minded players who fit the Spurs’ culture, which is exactly what was needed after a deep playoff run. What are your thoughts on the picks?

Photo Credit: ESPN.com

Arguably the most nail-biting Spurs playoff game in these NBA Playoffs, game 3 of the NBA Finals proved why San Antonio belongs on the biggest stage of professional basketball. The Spurs needed a pulse to show a sign of life in the series. Following the heartbreaking game 2 loss, Spurs fans were praying for a bounce back third game in Madison Square Garden. The Spurs delivered, winning 115-111 over the Knicks.

San Antonio found a groove late in the game when New York would push the floor and hit nearly-impossible three-point shots. The Spurs shot just under 50 percent, going 39 for 84 in field goals Monday night. The Spurs made 12 of their 34 three-point attempts, tying the Knicks’ 35 percent as they shot 13 for 37.

Game 4 is the crucial swing game of the series, now that the Spurs have prevented the sweep. A must-win for both, if the Spurs come away with the victory tonight, this sets up a potential comeback only few franchises have ever been able to accomplish. In fact, the NBA has never seen even three-straight road wins to open the Finals since Chicago and Phoenix played in 1993.

The June 10 edition of “First Take” on ESPN brought up the question of whether or not the game was a must-win for the Knicks. Analyst Kendrick Perkins said about New York, “whoever wins this game, wins the series…and you don’t want to keep giving confidence to the San Antonio Spurs.” A takeaway from the opposing side could be using game 3 as a good motivator for game 4. The Spurs had to adjust their game plan from the game 2 loss, and it worked the third time around.

To tie the series with a game 4 win, the Spurs will need to take advantage of Victor Wembanyama in the paint even more. The Spurs attempted fewer three-point shots in game 3 than they did in the first two games. However, game 3 was about shot selection. They got the ball in the paint more, which led to effective scoring from Wembanyama, Dylan Harper, De’Aaron Fox, and Stephon Castle. Game 3 also saw a lot of extracurricular trash talk and physicality from both sides. Emotions are running high given what is at stake in this series, and the Spurs can’t let the crowd, opposing players, or other distractions get the best of them. Effective rebounding, crashing the boards on defense and offense, will be important. A total of 37 rebounds were pulled down by San Antonio in game 3, with Harper grabbing 9 and Wembanyama pulling down 8.

San Antonio now knows its potential in the series. If the Spurs win, the series becomes tied at two games apiece with the Frost Bank Center hosting game 5 Saturday. If New York wins, it sets up a potential closeout game on Saturday. Either way, the one thing that is certain is a highly-anticipated game is on deck tonight in the Big Apple.

This article is proudly sponsored by Exotic Takeout, located at 10315 Perrin Beitel in San Antonio, Texas. If you’re looking for top-tier flower and great vibes in the city, make sure to check them out. Follow Exotic Takeout on Instagram at @ExoticTakeout2.0 and experience why their slogan is “Cultivated For The Elevated.”

Photo: KSAT.com

Upon the final buzzer this past Saturday night in Oklahoma City, the roar of the San Antonio Spurs fanbase could be felt 460+ miles away in the Alamo City. Cars honking down E. Commerce Street, lines at Dick’s Sporting Goods and Academy stores to grab that hot-off-the-press ‘Western Conference Champions’ T-shirt, and bars around town erupting with elated fans as the Spurs reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014.

While the seven-game series thriller against the Thunder was undoubtedly the hardest series thus far for the silver and black, a new seven-game series awaits. This time, it is for all the marbles.

However, it feels like this path has been paved before. The path where New York and San Antonio are the best of enemies for two weeks in June. Twenty-seven years ago, this exact same outcome occurred, resulting in what was proven to be a one-sided Finals round.

In 1998, the NBA endured a lockout that lasted for three months and bled into what was supposed to be the first half of the season. Games did not tip-off until February of 1999. The Knicks that year were not even supposed to be in the Finals. A team with Latrell Sprewell, Allan Houston, Marcus Camby, Larry Johnson, and an injured Patrick Ewing. They finished their regular season with a 27-23 record, qualifying them as the 8-seed in the East. The Spurs were the best team in the league with a 37-13 record, tying the Utah Jazz’s regular season record. Their starting five at the time was Avery Johnson, Sean Elliott, Mario Elie, Tim Duncan and David Robinson. The Spurs landed the 1-seed in the West, which set up a lop-sided Finals round. New York that year made an unbelievable playoff run, defeating Miami, Atlanta, and then Indiana. San Antonio beat Minnesota in a gentleman’s sweep, then the Lakers and then Portland. The Western Conference Finals included Sean Elliott’s famous “Memorial Day Miracle” shot in Game 2, on a pass from Mario Elie. The rest is history, as the Spurs would defeat the Knicks in five games to win their first of five NBA Championships.

This time around in 2026, there was no lockout and there was no shortened season. It has been a regular 82-game affair, with two of the best teams in the league from day one to now left standing.

The Knicks have been waiting 53 years as they have not won a title since 1973. Coincidentally, that is the same year the Spurs were established in San Antonio. For the Spurs, this is their first trip to the Finals since that dominating 2014 win over the Miami Heat.

In fact, during the regular season, the Spurs and Knicks played in the NBA Cup Championship Game on Dec. 16 in Las Vegas. Little did fans know it would foreshadow the Finals matchup in June. New York defeated San Antonio 124-113 to take the fourth NBA Cup title in the league’s history. Jalen Brunson for the Knicks received the MVP award of the tournament.

The Knicks finished third in the Eastern Conference with a 53-29 record, and have not lost a game since April 23. That night, in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference’s first round, Atlanta defeated them 109-108 to take a 2-1 series lead. The Knicks went on to win the next three games to take the series. In the semifinals, they swept Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. In the Eastern Conference Finals, they easily swept a Cleveland Cavaliers team with James Harden, Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell.

New York has been on a hot streak in the playoffs. One statistic in particular that stands out is three-point shooting. The Knicks have a three-point percentage of exactly 40 percent in the postseason, accompanied by a team average of 13.1 threes made per game, and an overall field goal percentage of 51.5 percent. Notably, New York has Karl-Anthony Towns, who is one of the height barriers in the series. He has been grabbing an average of 10.6 rebounds per game, followed by guard Josh Hart at 8.6. As a team, they have grabbed 34.4 defensive rebounds per game and 10.7 offensive rebounds.

The Spurs are a different story heading into the Finals. While the Spurs did not sweep a series so far in the playoffs unlike their opponent, they do average more rebounds at 47.3. A defining reason for that is Victor Wembanyama’s effort on both sides of the ball, as he averages 10.8. Julian Champagnie and Dylan Harper have been the runners-up in that stat line, grabbing 5.8 and 5.3 respectively. Both players had spectacular series against the Thunder. The Spurs grab more offensive boards at 12.1, compared to the Knicks’ 10.7, although both are impressive totals.

A major difference is blocked shots. The Spurs have been logging 7.3 a game, while New York averages only 4.1. Wembanyama alone averages 3.5. The leader for New York is Towns at only 1.4.

The Spurs do face a deficit in one key statistic. San Antonio has committed 14.3 turnovers a game, while New York is not far behind at 12.4.

The Spurs are only four wins away from their sixth NBA championship, but it won’t come easy. The Knicks have had success, and they have also had rest as their sweep allowed them to wait out the WCF. The keys to victory for the Spurs through the entire series will be to limit the turnovers, capitalize on second-chance points, and their team dynamic. The way Game 7 was played against the Thunder, with all five starters scoring early and touching the ball will be important. Having home-court advantage should help with a lot of the energy as well.

The bench will also need to be involved heavily. How can Luke Kornet, Dylan Harper, Harrison Barnes, Carter Bryant, and Keldon Johnson contribute in the series? Defense will also be crucial to winning it all. With the Knicks having a lot of success beyond the arc, perimeter defense for the Spurs will be even more important than it was in the Thunder series.

To say the least, the NBA Finals in 2026 with the Spurs and Knicks facing off will spark a lot of nostalgia, hope, and could potentially crown a new era of professional basketball if the young Spurs win. Game 1 of the NBA Finals will tip off at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.

This article is proudly sponsored by Exotic Takeout, located at 10315 Perrin Beitel in San Antonio, Texas. If you’re looking for top-tier flower and great vibes in the city, make sure to check them out. Follow Exotic Takeout on Instagram at @ExoticTakeout2.0 and experience why their slogan is “Cultivated For The Elevated.”

Photo Credit: SPURFECT/ Carolina Teague

You can’t spell victory without Victor, and in Game 7, Victor Wembanyama made sure the San Antonio Spurs earned a spot in the NBA Finals. Behind the young Spurs’ dominant two-way performance and determination to overcome adversity, they defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder after an impressive series comeback.

With the season on the line, Wembanyama delivered an amazing performance that defined the new era for the Spurs franchise. He provided timely shots, protected the rim, anchored the defense and opened opportunities for his teammates. It was something different, Wembanyama made his presence felt throughout the competition, helping the Spurs maintain composure during one of the most intense environments of the season.

The Thunder made several attempts to control the game, but Wembanyama continued to respond. He scored 22 points and added seven rebounds. He made 3 of 5 shots behind the arc, helping San Antonio maintain momentum. His ability to drive aggressively and score efficiently in the paint forced OKC to adjust its defense once again, which opened up opportunities for the Spurs’ offense.

The Ability to Adapt

While Game 7 was a defining moment, Wembanyama’s impact on the series extended far beyond one night. His leadership and dominant play throughout the Western Conference Finals help lead one of the youngest teams through a tough playoff series.

From the opening game of the series, OKC made it clear that its top priority was to slow down Wembanyama. The Thunder defenders were extremely physical, crowded the paint and forced him to have bad possessions or make difficult decisions. Despite the obstacles thrown at Wembanyama, he showed persistence and continued to impact the game in different ways.

Whether it was his impact on offense or defense, he consistently found a way to keep the Spurs competitive. But the one thing that really makes him special is his ability to quickly adapt in games. Wembanyama doesn’t have to constantly score or be the center of the offense in order to be impactful. He reminds me of prime Tim Duncan, a cerebral force, who impacted the game in many ways beyond scoring. Wembanyama understands that success isn’t measured by points made, but by making the right plays and doing what’s best for the team.

One of the biggest challenges that the Spurs faced in the series was OKC’s physicality on defense. The Thunder applied constant pressure by crowding the paint, which made offensive possessions harder for the Spurs. Instead of trying to prove a point, Wembanyama adjusted. He trusted his teammates and continued to impact the game with rebounds, rim protection and shotmaking. Similar to Duncan, Wembanyama’s greatest strength is his ability to adapt and remain effective in the game regardless of how OKC’s defense tried to stop him.

Beyond the Box Score

As the Spurs advanced, Wembanyama’s leadership became just as valuable as the stats that showed up in the box score.

The Spurs feature one of the youngest playoff rosters and they never appeared overwhelmed throughout the series. Wembanyama helped establish such an environment through his poise during difficult situations and his gratitude in holding the responsibility of keeping his teammates such as Carter Bryant, Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle composed and confident. For players experiencing some of the biggest moments of their young careers, having someone like Wembanyama on the court provided a sense of stability.

In Game 4, Bryant attacked the basket and drew an offensive foul. Coach Mitch Johnson yelled at him on the sideline and Bryant appeared to have tears in his eyes. Wembanyama was seen hugging Bryant and making sure his teammate was ok. Although Bryant reentered the game, the leadership that Wembanyama displayed in that moment is what sets him apart from many young players in the league. He understands the importance of supporting his teammates, especially in high pressure moments where confidence can weaken. By reassuring Bryant and helping him move past a difficult moment, Wembanyama displayed the type of leadership that builds a winning culture.

The Face of the Franchise

His leadership was recognized in Game 7 after securing the Western Conference title. Wembanyama was awarded the Western Conference Finals MVP which reflected his production on the court and the value he brings to this young team.

He walked to the center of the court to claim his trophy with tears in his eyes. After years of criticism and pressure that come with being the face of the Spurs, Wembanyama had helped lead San Antonio to the NBA Finals. He embraced his teammates and coaches while savoring the moment that any individual could dream of.

After he received his trophy, he was asked to talk about the mentality he had to have in order to take the win.

“This game is so hard, this team is so good that you gotta use every single emotion you got in order to win,” Wembanyama said. “Like sometimes these emotions is passion, it’s love for the game, sometimes it’s anger, sometimes it might even be jealousy but I don’t wanna weigh myself down with any of these energies. I use them on the court.”

This answer gave fans a glimpse into the mindset that helped carry the Spurs to the NBA Finals. Wembanyama’s ability to use emotions in his performance while remaining composed enough to lead this team continues to reinforce the idea that his love and passion for the game make him an elite player.

Throughout the Western Conference Finals, Wembanyama proved why he is the face of the franchise. Whether it was scoring in crucial moments, adapting to OKC’s attempts at stopping him or supporting his teammates, he answered every challenge that was thrown his way. As he lifted his Western Conference Finals MVP trophy it was clear that it represented more than a personal achievement. It reflected the 22-year-old’s growth into the leader that San Antonio desperately needed to guide this young team to a championship title.

This article is proudly sponsored by Exotic Takeout, located at 10315 Perrin Beitel in San Antonio, Texas. If you’re looking for top-tier flower and great vibes in the city, make sure to check them out. Follow Exotic Takeout on Instagram at @ExoticTakeout2.0 and experience why their slogan is “Cultivated For The Elevated.”

Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

Much can be said about Johnson’s performance in this series; I’ve personally been critical of him and his inability to find his shot through most of this series. When it mattered the most, though, Johnson showed up in a big way.

After a grueling Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Johnson made his presence known in a big way during the fourth quarter: eight points including going 3/3 from the field, 2/2 from deep, and finished with a 134% true shooting percentage (a metric that measures a player’s scoring efficiency that considers all shot types, including free throws).

Johnson finished with 11 points in Game 7 and also added three rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Johnson has never really been a stat sheet stuffer, though. His impact has always come from his energy, mentality, and physical play.

We don’t have to look very far to find examples of this; we just have to look at the last series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Of course, without a healthy Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves were at a pretty significant disadvantage. They had to ask other players to try and step up and Julius Randle was the one they called on.

Randle has always been a very physical player; he reminds me a lot of Michael Beasley in the way that they use their bodies to get to their spots and put the ball in the hoop. For as many solid defenders as the Spurs have on their team, they didn’t really have anyone who could match Randle’s physicality. Enter: Keldon Johnson.

If you just look at the points column in the box scores it will seem as if Randle had a very solid series, after all he did have five outings in double figures. If you take a deeper dive into the stats you’ll see that he had a putrid series against the Spurs. Through six games he averaged only 12.8 points, three turnovers a game, and never shot better than 41.7% from the floor. Johnson was able to make Randle uncomfortable with his size and physicality all series and was an underappreciated catalyst to the series victory, and his efforts didn’t stop there.

The Western Conference Finals was an incredibly gritty series. I don’t recall a time where a playoff series was talked about more in the last 15 years. The reason that this series was the talk of the town (other than the fact that the Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t put up much of a fight in the Eastern Conference Finals) was the level of aggressive defense being played by the Oklahoma City Thunder. As a viewer of the product, I felt at times that it was a bit egregious. There were other times that I felt like the referees allowed both teams to play a very physical style of basketball. When it came down to the wire, the difference maker was Johnson making the Thunder’s stars feel uncomfortable. Who could forget Johnson basically telling Chet Holmgren to get into the weight room in Game 5?

Doing that to someone who, at times, seemed very disinterested in this series is one thing. Bullying the back-to-back MVP? That’s on an entirely different level.

I think that you have to be a bit insane to do the things that Johnson does on the basketball court. I think that you have to be even more insane to literally bark at the crowd, in a hostile environment, in an effort to get your own team fired up. That’s just who Johnson is; an absolute dawg. Without him and his brand of basketball, I think that this series could have ended very differently, and I’m certainly glad that he’s in San Antonio.

We can now officially look towards the NBA Finals matchup verses the New York Knicks, and they have a couple of dawgs on their team as well. Jose Alvarado and Miles “Deuce” McBride must be mentioned, but the one player on the Knicks who will match Johnson’s intensity for every second of the game is Josh Hart. Both of those players are willing to die on the court to get their team the victory, which has the makings for an all-time contest between the two. At the very least, it will be an entertaining boxing/wrestling match.

There is a lot of talent on the Knicks side; Karl-Anthony Towns has been doing his best Nikola Jokic impression this postseason, Mikal Bridges has remembered how to shoot the basketball, and Jalen Brunson just averaged 25 points and 7 assists against the Cavaliers on his way to winning the Larry Bird Eastern Conference Finals MVP award. The Spurs, obviously, have a lot of talent on their end as well. When all the stars come out to play it often comes down to who has the better role players, and who has the more physical team, and that’s exactly why I’m glad that the Spurs have Johnson on their payroll.

I’m of course expecting, and hoping, for the Spurs to win their first title since 2014. Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and De’Aaron Fox will be on the tips of everyone’s tongue, but I hope that the fans don’t forget the impact that Johnson has been making on the game. I know that I certainly won’t.

This article is proudly sponsored by Exotic Takeout, located at 10315 Perrin Beitel in San Antonio, Texas. If you’re looking for top-tier flower and great vibes in the city, make sure to check them out. Follow @ExoticTakeout2.0 and experience why their slogan is “Cultivated For The Elevated.”

Photo Credit: WOAI/News 4 San Antonio

Spurs fans have seemingly enjoyed the superstitions around their beloved team this postseason, especially in this Western Conference Final series facing off against the defending NBA Champions. It is safe to say every fan knew this series would not be the easiest one thus far. This time, in the prime age of social media and viral videos, it goes beyond the traditional lighting of candles and prayers… Well, sort of.

The Salesian Sisters

To begin, the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco in San Antonio went viral on social media after posting a photo of themselves surrounding a television chanting “Go Spurs Go!” Since then, they have attended two games this series, seen blessing Luke Kornet, who is a Catholic, in pregame warmups, and said prayers of their own. They even made national headlines. An interview on the CBS Evening News anchored by Tony Dukopil, aired Thursday prior to Game 6 with Sisters Bernadette Mota and Sidney Moss. The interview did have a lot to do with their humble lives living in poverty and how they have been cheering for the Spurs for years. The story package did end with Dukopil expressing how the Salesian Sisters predicted “Spurs in 7.”

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8poJNJf/

Swick From TikTok

An avid sports predictor whose tag on TikTok is @swicks_picks makes predictions all the time. He’s predicted the NHL Playoffs this year as well as the Knicks-Cavs Eastern Conference Finals, which he did get slightly incorrect. He predicted the Knicks winning in six games, when in fact New York actually swept to advance to their first NBA Finals since 1999. Right now, however, he is six for six in predicting the Western Conference Finals. His post, which has received more than 155,000 likes, shows his predictions for each game of the series to the background playing of ‘We Will Rock You’ by Queen. He predicted back on May 17 in that same video prior to this series tipping off, that the Spurs would advance in seven games.

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8pEvpnp/

The Sports Tarot

Another TikTok personality who has made the for-you pages of many sports fans has been The Sports Tarot, (@sports.tarot) and she does just that. She pulls cards from a deck that have specific images on them and deeply thinks about the meaning behind each pull. She has done this for numerous games, teams and series, with over 63,000 followers. She has not exactly been correct with every game, getting five out of the six games correct in the West Finals, but she has laid out her deck for game 7. After a brief shuffle, she takes a breath. She pulls the first card and out comes a card labeled “the thinking man.”. She immediately concludes that the referees will be a big factor in the game. The next card she pulled was a “broken heart.”, and applied a literal connotation to this one - someone is going home no matter what. She then says it usually implies when “the home team feels sad.”. The next card depicts a “storm warning,” and she predicts a big run by the Thunder. In the next card, she claims energy shifts when she pulls a card with lots of gold colors and a depiction of a cornucopia. She immediately resorts to getting “Spurs energy,” but still sees the OKC energy. She then calls that near the end of the game, after the pull of an “anxiety” card, that she predicts overtime and a very close game. The final card had an image of what looked to be like a man meditating. She immediately referred to Victor Wembanyama’s “monk mode” as he did spend 10 days with Chinese monks this past summer, according to ESPN. There, he studied forms of meditation as well as Shaolin Kung-Fu, among other things during his time in China. The Sports Tarot predicted a come-from-behind victory by the Spurs to pull off the underdog win in game 7 over the Thunder.

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8pod1oH/

The Corgi

Probably the most popular predictor of this series has been @aircorg on TikTok, also known as “Steph Furry”, “Fluffy Mamba”, and the “world’s only trickshot corgi.” This dog has predicted every game of the series correctly so far. With over 1.5 million followers, Steph Furry has predicted plenty of sports series and games over the past few years. With over 2.3 million views, the video shows the dog standing on a short stairwell, about four steps tall, as an inflatable basketball gets tossed in the air. Each time he pokes at it in the air, it lands in a basket with both the Spurs and Thunder logos on each one respectively. The Thunder one was on the left and the Spurs one on the right, with each ball taking a bounce before officially going into one basket. While the first six proved to be correct, the seventh didn’t exactly land in one or the other. Instead, it was tossed again with the eighth throw landing in the Spurs’ basket. The corgi officially predicted the Spurs winning in 7 games. Now, with the penultimate throw not landing in a basket at all, many on social media have come to suspect the game may go into overtime.

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8poRBjS/

The “Experts” and Vegas

Among the betting odds for the major sportsbooks - DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM - the Thunder are 3.5 point favorites. This is a very close margin for the betting odds, but could also suggests the Spurs have a chance. The May 30 edition of SportsCenter on ESPN previewed the matchup and analyst Quentin Richardson said that the Spurs need “Wemby to be Wemby,” and the collective defensive effort of the entire team to give OKC a problem. The Thunder have not lost a Game 7 at home in the four games played since the franchise existed. This is also the first Game 7 between 60-win teams in the playoffs, and fourth all time, according to ESPN. Richardson is predicting, however, the Thunder will win.

No matter the outcome of the game tonight, one thing is certain - it will be nothing less than a shootout. A fitting adjective for the series so far, ending in a do-or-die duel for the two best teams in the Western Conference. What also is certain, is that Spurs fans listen to predictions and have their superstitions, but the heart has not escaped the most loyal NBA fanbase.

This article is proudly sponsored by Exotic Takeout, located at 10315 Perrin Beitel in San Antonio, Texas. If you’re looking for top-tier flower and great vibes in the city, make sure to check them out. Follow Exotic Takeout on Instagram at @ExoticTakeout2.0 and experience why their slogan is “Cultivated For The Elevated.”

Following the Spurs’ Game 5 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, Victor Wembanyama did not participate in his usual postgame media availability. The NBA issued him a warning for not fulfilling his media obligations. Many online pundits and talking heads have framed Wembanyama’s no-show as a failure of leadership or accountability. From someone who has covered this team closely and spent significant time inside the press room over multiple seasons, that framing is missing important context.

The NBA does have media availability requirements, especially during the playoffs. When players do not participate when the media requests to speak to a player, the league has the authority to issue fines, most often $25,000. However, enforcement has not been uniform. There are clear examples where players have missed media availability and received only warnings or no formal discipline at all, particularly when it appeared to be an isolated incident rather than a repeated pattern.

Devin Booker, for instance, did not speak to reporters after a Game 6 loss in the 2023 Western Conference Finals and was not fined. Other players over the years have received warnings on their first or second instance before they received any financial penalties. The league has historically shown some grace depending on the circumstances, the player’s history, and whether the absence appeared tied to a specific emotional moment. For Wembanyama’s case, he received a warning. That outcome aligns with how similar first-time situations have been handled in the past.

What makes this situation distinct is Wembanyama’s established pattern of engagement with the media throughout his career. Since entering the league, he has been consistently available after every game. He answers questions in both English and French, and he’s been thoughtful in his responses, even when the questions are difficult or repetitive. He has shown patience and given reporters grace on nights when the line of questioning was not particularly strong, all of which I have witnessed or experienced personally on more than one occasion. During the beginning of the playoffs, when my request for a question was continuously being interrupted, Wembanyama ensured I was able to ask my question before the presser moved to French questions. His level of professionalism and accessibility even earned him the Magic Johnson Award this season, which recognizes the player who best handles media responsibilities with maturity and respect.

It is reasonable to consider that winning that award may have added another layer of awareness for him. When someone has been publicly recognized for how they conduct themselves with the media, there can be an internal pressure to protect that standard. Choosing not to speak after game 5 - when emotions may be running extremely high after a loss- could reflect an effort to avoid saying something in the heat of frustration that he might later regret. In high-stakes environments like the Western Conference Finals, that kind of self-awareness is not necessarily avoidance. It can be a deliberate decision to maintain the standard he has set for himself.

It is also worth remembering the broader context of what Wembanyama carries. He entered the league as one of the most scrutinized young players in recent memory and was labeled generational before he had played a single NBA game. He has dealt with injuries, the weight of expectations, personal challenges, and the constant public dissection that comes with being the face of a franchise at 22 years old. Visiting places like the Shaolin Temple in China reflects someone actively working on himself and his mental approach, but it does not mean he is someone who believes he is above the process or above criticism. It reflects a young man trying to become better, not one who thinks he already is.

Critics who suggest this single decision may show a lack of leadership or toughness often speak from a distance. They have not walked the path of carrying this level of expectation while still developing in real time under the brightest lights. Leadership in professional sports is demonstrated over time through preparation, through how someone treats teammates and staff, and through how they respond when things do not go according to plan. One decision made in the immediate aftermath of a difficult playoff loss does not erase that larger body of evidence.

The warning from the NBA was an appropriate response. It reinforced the expectation without treating an isolated moment as a character indictment. Wembanyama has shown throughout his time in San Antonio that he takes his responsibilities seriously. There is every reason to believe he will continue to do so moving forward.

One missed media availability after a tough night does not change who Wembanyama has been or who he continues to be in this process. He remains a young player, navigating extraordinary circumstances with a level of maturity that has been evident from the start. That reality has not changed. And with the Spurs facing elimination tonight at home for game 6, the next chapter will not be written at the podium, it will be written on the court.

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Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

The best thing about NBA fans in general is how passionate they are. The worst thing about NBA fans in general is how reactionary they are. Suffice it to say, the first two games of the Western Conference Finals could have gone much better for Stephon Castle. He wasn’t a great three-point shooter this year, but through those two games he shot an abysmal 16.7 percent from deep, and worst of all, he averaged 10 turnovers a game.

Credit where credit is due; the Oklahoma City Thunder guard room did a great job of forcing him into tough decisions and capitalizing on his mistakes. A league average defender probably wouldn’t have bested Castle on those nights, but Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, and Cason Wallace are much more than average defenders. After this horrendous showing, the NBA fandom at large was ready to ship Castle to whatever team wanted him this off-season. Those same fans managed to not mention that Castle averaged 21 points and eight assists in that two-game stretch, but that wouldn’t get any clicks on social media now would it?

Were those turnovers costly? Of course. I wouldn’t want any team’s starting point guard to have those kinds of numbers, but to borrow a phrase from Ted Lasso, sometimes you just have to be a goldfish and forget about it. After splitting the first two games on the road, Game 3 was a brand new opportunity for Castle and he significantly lowered his turnovers with just one. He didn’t exactly have the best game in other areas of the stat sheet, but you have to start somewhere right?

He followed up that performance with another one turnover outing in Game 4, and also chipped in 13 points and six assists. In a pivotal Game 5 he only had three turnovers and added 24 points, five rebounds, six assists, and three steals to the stat sheet in a losing effort. Someone could look at that turnaround in a vacuum and chalk it up to him finding his rhythm in this series, but I think that it’s much deeper than that. I think that you can point to one precise thing changing between the first two games and the last three games, and that would be the return of De’Aaron Fox.

The most obvious benefit of having someone like Fox back in the lineup is the instant relief of ball handling responsibilities. It’s much easier to impact the game in other ways when someone as reliable as Fox has the ball in his hands, and by extension, limits the opportunities that a young player like Castle can have to turn the ball over. According to databallr, Castle turns the ball over four times less per 100 possessions when Fox is also on the court. The offensive upside is also incredible; when both are on the floor they have a 120.8 offensive rating (points scored per 100 possessions) and a net rating (point differential) of +8.0. The eye test and the advanced stats prove it; if you want the best out of Castle, keep Fox on the floor.

I think that it’s fair to say that this Spurs team is a bit ahead of schedule; most great players win their first championship around age 27. While it’s fun to think about what it would mean for the Spurs, their fans, and the legacies of these players to win a title this early into their careers, a lot of people lose sight of the fact that this is the biggest stage of all their young careers. Castle is just 21 years old and this is his first taste of playoff action. He’s managed to make it to the Western Conference Finals and he’s just two wins away from heading to the NBA Finals. This is an insane amount of pressure to put on anyone, let alone a 21-year-old, and that has to play a factor into his performances. That’s why you need this veteran talent on the roster; to calm everyone down and drown out the noise.

I don’t mean to make this sound like Fox is on his last legs. By every account he’s still a young man, or at the very least younger than I am. He isn’t very experienced when it comes to playoff basketball (this being his second trip to the postseason), but he’s logged over 600 games in his career and having those kind of reps are invaluable to this team when it matters the most.

Castle has taken responsibility for his poor playmaking which is encouraging for Spurs fans. What’s even more encouraging is that in the landscape that breeds competition, Castle wants nothing more than to share the spotlight with his teammates. In an 2025 interview with Sports Illustrated, Castle praised Fox for his mentality - “He’s always telling me to go out there and be me. Play my game. Be aggressive. That encouragement from that high-level of a player gives me confidence.” Fox, in return, made it clear that he wanted to be in San Antonio and a big reason for that was the caliber of player that Castle is.

Through the last three games of this series the impact, the relief, and the leadership of Fox has been on full display and no one has benefited more from it than Castle. The two have so much respect and love for one another as players and humans. That kind of respect shines brightly on the basketball court. Fox, especially for this team, may not be talked about the most or be the most appreciated, but his impact on Castle cannot be talked about enough. Castle has been very blessed to go from Chris Paul to De’Aaron Fox as mentors in the league, and I can only imagine that it will lead to more success for Castle’s career.

As for Fox, I think that his play and impact over the last few games should quell any sort of trade talks this summer. After the stellar play from Dylan Harper this postseason many were quick to say that Fox was now expendable, but after this series and what he’s done for Castle, I don’t think that’s the case anymore. There’s a reason that he was brought to San Antonio and it wasn’t just to be a two-year rental. Fox may get lost in the shuffle, but his impact won’t go unappreciated by me. If you’re ever feeling as if Fox doesn’t have a place on this team, look to Castle, Harper, and Victor Wembanyama. Without Fox, I don’t think this team is ready for this moment, which makes Fox’s contribution to this team priceless, and it’s time that the world appreciates him for what he’s done.

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Photo Credit: NBA.com

While the majority of the spotlight remains on Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell has been one of the most consistent and impactful players in the San Antonio Spurs-Oklahoma City Thunder playoff series so far. His two-way performance has provided San Antonio with stability throughout crucial moments in the postseason.

Vassell made his presence known in Game 4 that wasn’t fully reflected in the box score. He contributed steady perimeter defense against OKC’s guards, limiting their ability to shoot. He was also able to facilitate an efficient offense that kept the Spurs in control.

In the first quarter Vassell made a huge block on Jared McCain. As Vassell retrieved the ball, he excelled in transition, driving to draw the defense and throwing a nice lob to Wembanyama. But, when it’s needed, he’s able to sprint in transition and make clutch mid-range jumpers or 3-pointers that help boost the Spurs momentum.

Even when he’s not making those shots, he’s been a defensive weapon. Throughout this series, OKC’s physicality has been a factor, but Vassell has responded. He has made impactful defensive plays by being extremely physical, making OKC’s guards force possessions or attempt passes that have resulted in turnovers. He plays well in the passing lanes, allowing him to deflect passes and make explosive plays in transition. In a post-game press conference, Coach Mitch Johnson praised Vassell’s improvement and effort in this playoff series.

“He’s been phenomenal, he may be our most consistent player if you took away any stats and just watched us play… He’s developed into a heck of a scorer in this league,” Johnson said.

Vassell’s leadership role throughout this series has been impactful as well. As a veteran player, he is able to direct and control the offense with poise and composure. He never looks flustered. His love for the game is just as strong as his love for his team. In Game 2, Alex Caruso fouled Castle on a layup. On the next play, Ajay Mitchell was assessed a flagrant foul after knocking Castle over as he tried to attack the rim. Vassell intervened after the dangerous foul. In a post-game press conference he explained why he got involved.

“I just had my teammates back, that’s my brother,” Vassell said. “He tried to go up for a dunk and it just looked like he pushed him…you know that could be a dangerous play and I just went ahead and had my teammates back.”

For a young Spurs roster still learning and growing throughout the playoffs, having a player like Vassell is valuable. Whether it is making the right offensive plays, discipline on defense or just standing up for his teammates, Vassell continues to provide a sense of leadership that every playoff team needs.

Most importantly, Vassell understands his role perfectly. He’s rarely out of position on defense and never forces offense, making game-winning plays without needing any recognition. The all-around performance and level of discipline that he displays is what the Spurs need. He is the ultimate glue guy.

This article is proudly sponsored by Exotic Takeout, located at 10315 Perrin Beitel in San Antonio, Texas. If you’re looking for top-tier flower and great vibes in the city, make sure to check them out. Follow Exotic Takeout on Instagram at @ExoticTakeout2.0 and experience why their slogan is “Cultivated For The Elevated.”

San Antonio Spurs forward #01 Victor Wembanyama stands for a portrait during media day ahead of the NBA season at the Victory Capital Performance Center in San Antonio, Texas, September 30, 2024.(Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP)

Through three games of the Western Conference Finals we’ve had nothing short of a literary epic. In Game 1 we get a double overtime thriller lead by Victor Wembanyama who scored 41 points and grabbed 24 rebounds. In Game 2 we had the reigning MVP of the league Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will his team to victory with 30 points and 9 assists to even the series. And in Game 3 we saw the Thunder use the power of friendship to take a 2-1 series lead. Suffice it to say, this series so far has been nothing short of cinematic. Our heroes and villains aren’t just battling against each other for the NBA’s ultimate prize; they’re also waging war with conflicting ethe (plural of ethos - characteristics of a culture as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations) and drawing parallels to myths from every corner of the world.

As a fan of mythology myself, I often compare these larger than life personalities and their performances to these myths. It’s not often that I get to bridge my worlds together like this, so without further ado here is a list of our “characters” and who they remind me of the most in the world of mythology.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Loki - The God of Mischief

A bit of controversy to start us off here. Personally, I am a fan of SGA; I just can’t help it. Much can be said about his antics to get to the free throw line, but what is undeniable is that he is one of the best isolation scorers of all-time. According to databallr, he’s in the 100th percentile for his rTS (real true shooting - a metric used to show how efficient a player is when compared to the rest of the league) with +8.6%, his shot difficulty is 2.7% higher than league average, and on top of all of that he had a +18.3 NET ON rating (a metric used to show a team’s scoring margins while a player is on the court) in the regular season.

That’s not even mentioning his defensive efforts. It’s very easy to get lost in the sea of fantastic wing/guard defenders that the Thunder have, but just because he isn’t a top three defender on his team, that doesn’t mean he’s some scrub. In fact, opponents shoot 4.1% worse than average when SGA is the primary defender and he’s an incredible shot blocker for a guard as he’s in the 95th percentile for that category.

In Norse mythology, Loki is also a bit of a mixed bag. He is depicted as both a helper and a hindrance to the gods. He’s mostly known as a shapeshifter and can turn into any form. In other words, he’s a manipulator. Despite his brilliance, I think you would be hard pressed to find someone who says that SGA doesn’t manipulate the game and the referees in his favor. If you could look at his isolation scoring in a vacuum it would be immaculate. For a few years now he’s been getting comparisons to Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan’s isolation skillsets, but the conversation around this all-time scorer gets murky when the topic of free throws are introduced. If you took away just his free throws made per game and allowed everyone to keep theirs, he would still be a top 25 scorer in the league.

He’s undeniably a help to his team and the league in general with his ability to score. He is also undeniably a hindrance to his team and the viewing audience when he is outright flailing to get a foul call. A bit of a complicated tale for SGA, which makes him a perfect comp for Loki.

De’Aaron Fox: Hermes - The God of Speed/Herald of the Gods

If you’re only familiar with the Disney version of Hermes, the comparison is pretty obvious: speed. In Greek mythology Hermes gets his speed from sandals made from palm and myrtle branches which granted him the ability to move at the speed of the winds. I’m not sure if De’Aaron Fox officially moves as fast as the wind, but it is still deadly fast nonetheless.

We missed him in the first two games, and for brief moments in Game 3 we were able to see what his particular skillset can bring to this team. His ability to change the pace of the game cannot be understated and there really is no such thing as “too much talent” in your backcourt.

What doesn’t get talked about enough in the case of Hermes is what he is to the other gods on Olympus; a herald and a help. Hermes is very much depicted as a right hand man to Zeus and does all of the dirty work for him. In the myths they are never viewed as equals, but their stories are often intertwined. Fox may never get the same kind of credit as other members of this team, but without his contributions to the team this season, the Spurs would look very different.

Keldon Johnson: Horus - The God of War

Now my favorite God of War is Kratos, but I digress. In Egyptian mythology Horus was associated with the pharaohs and was also depicted as their protector and defender. Sound familiar?

Keldon Johnson is, and has been, the unsung hero of this Spurs team. Sure, he won the Sixth Man of the Year award with his stellar play and mentality, but how many times did you see someone disparage his contributions even after winning the award? He hasn’t been considered a “main part” of this team and his teammate’s star power does have something to do with that. When you’re on a team with former Rookie of the Year in Stephon Castle, a could-have-been Rookie of the Year if he was playing on any other team in Dylan Harper, and the Defensive Player of the Year in Victor Wembanyama, it is very easy for fans and media alike to look over someone of Johnson’s caliber.

In that same vein, Horus isn’t mentioned in the same tier of god as Ra, Ptah, or Osiris, but is integral in the mythological tales. At the end of the day Horus is just a fair god who protected the people of Egypt, and at the end of the day Johnson is just a player who protects his teammates in an effort to maintain order and balance.

Chet Holmgren: Prometheus - The Titan God of Fire

Prometheus has one of the more interesting stories in all of Greek mythology, but unfortunately for him he caught the ire of Zeus. Prometheus is a Titan, an entity that existed prior to the existence of what we would call the gods like Zeus, Ares, and Poseidon. Prometheus helped aid humanity in its earliest days and even went as far as defying the gods by taking fire from Mt. Olympus and giving it to the humans. Once Zeus caught wind of this, however, he was none too pleased.

Zeus condemned Prometheus to an eternal punishment; being bound to a rock and having his liver eaten by an eagle, which is a symbol of Zeus himself. As if that wasn’t bad enough, after the day ended Zeus would make Prometheus’ liver grow back over night so the eagle could repeat the process every day until the end of time. Unfortunately for Chet Holmgren, I think that he may have caught a similar ire from Victor Wembanyama. I do like Holmgren as a player; he’s no Wemby but he’s certainly a talented basketball player. Holmgren’s problem is that Wembanyama does not like him at all and hasn’t for quite some time. For this series and for the foreseeable future, it seems like Holmgren is doomed to suffer the punishment that Wembanyama deals out and that is certainly not an enviable position.

Victor Wembanyama: Zeus - The God of Thunder

If Holmgren was Prometheus, Wembanyama had to be Zeus. Now, I do want to focus on the less controversial parts of Zeus’ story if there is such a thing. Zeus is the Greek god of thunder, and in the Spurs fans case, Wembanyama is the god of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Zeus certainly wasn’t as clean cut or “PG” as his Disney movie counterpart, but his origin story is actually something you’d see in a hero’s tale. Zeus was the son of Cronus who was the leader of the Titans, the original ruling class. Cronus had a bit of an ego problem and it all started after he was shown a prophecy from his parents Gaia and Uranus that one of his children would overthrow him one day the same way that he overthrew his father. He and his wife Rhea have six children (Hera, Demeter, Hestia, Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus) and Cronus swallows nearly each one of them whole as to deter the prophecy. Zeus was the youngest of the bunch and after Rhea tricked Cronus into eating a stone instead of a child, Zeus lived under the guidance of Gaia to eventually defeat Cronus and free his brothers and sisters from Cronus’ stomach. Good thing for them that gods are immortal, right?

In Zeus’ first real act with true powers he was able to overthrow the ruling class and establish his own legacy. In his first playoff appearance Victor Wembanyama has the opportunity to dethrone the reigning champions and establish his own legacy. The parallels are uncanny.

I think that the NBA specifically is the most cinematic sports league there is and as you can tell from this article I also think that it is the most poetic and, in some cases, epic. This series itself has very much seemed like the Clash of the Titans, and at times maintaining my sanity has felt like the 12 labors of Hercules, but I believe that this series has all of the necessary ingredients to write it’s own legacy in the history of the NBA’s greatest series.

This Western Conference Finals has been nothing short of amazing, and if I was the in Commissioner Adam Silver’s shoes, I would make this series the best out of 100. We’ve seen some amazing basketball during these first three games and I don’t expect anything less for the rest of the series.

I don’t expect many other readers to share my same love and passion for basketball and mythology, but if you do, what other myths do you think of when watching this series? Let us know in the comments below!

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Photo Credit: KABB/Fox San Antonio

At this stage in the NBA Playoffs, anything is possible. The 2026 postseason has definitely proved it with the competitiveness a fan can feel from as far as the couch, the bar, or as close as the arena seats. Having to find your own way in possibly the biggest round of your current franchise’s era against the defending NBA Champions is another massive challenge. However, over the years of the Spurs’ glory days - the eras with David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and a few others - the road hasn’t been so smooth either. Considering it’s also been 9 years since the last Western Conference Finals appearance for San Antonio, it’s a good reminder that the losses are only learning lessons for a talented team like the current Spurs roster.

Looking back on the franchise’s past playoff runs via LandOfBasketball.com and Basketball Reference, the title runs in particular were not exactly easy strolls in the park.

Of course, 1999 was a glorious year for the Spurs and Spurs fans. They managed to only lose two games in that entire playoffs run, with an opening-round loss to Minnesota and one to a Patrick Ewing-less New York in the Finals. This would grant the Spurs and the city the first opportunity to experience the sensation of a Larry O’Brien Trophy clinch.

In 2003, a totally different path was paved by the Spurs. Having been 4 years removed from winning their last title with some fresh faces on their team, like rookie Parker, the road would consist of Phoenix, a Kobe Bryant-led Laker team, a young Dirk Nowitzki-led Maverick team, and then a stacked New Jersey Nets team with Richard Jefferson and Jason Kidd. Statistically, every series in those playoffs resulted in a 4 games to 2 win for San Antonio. It would also be the last season for the Admiral David Robinson, fittingly, retiring with his second championship.

In 2005, the Spurs would finish the regular season with the 2nd seed, going 59-23. And the same teams for the last few years would be in contention with them for that coveted title yet again. The Spurs ran into the Nuggets, Supersonics, and Suns in the Western Conference. In every other series besides against Seattle where they lost 2 games, the Spurs would lose 1. The Finals was the toughest series that year, as the red-hot Detroit Pistons with Ben Wallace would be the challenge. Up to this point, the Spurs have not gone to a Game 7 in the NBA Finals. What forced that 7th game, and in many ways the series in the Spurs’ direction, was the infamous Game 5 shot by Robert Horry. He was left open on the left wing for a 3. The shot would fall, giving the Spurs the biggest win in that series. And of course, the rest as they say, “is history”. The Spurs would win their 3rd title that year, and it was even sweeter than the first two.

Fast forward another couple of years to 2007. The near-end of the decade and the Spurs had become one of the few NBA franchises to have dominated in the 10-year span. The team everyone seemed to have had their eyes on was the Cleveland Cavaliers, as now a young but talented LeBron James was in his 4th season. This time, the Spurs would finish 3rd in the West with 24 losses, which is a successful season for that reason alone. The West proved once again to be as competitive as basketball could be - San Antonio would have to flow through Denver. They won the series, 4-1. Next Phoenix, again, and the Spurs would win 4-2. The Utah Jazz were on a roll themselves, but the brick wall that was the San Antonio Spurs eliminated them in a gentleman’s sweep, 4-1. The Finals in this way proved championship DNA is very useful when the Spurs were in the situation again. The Spurs swept LeBron’s Cavs to claim the title in Ohio.

The Spurs spent the next 6 years trying to get back to the Finals. The NBA was only getting faster, more competitive, and revolutionized in many ways. In 2011, the Spurs would draft a young stud from San Diego State named Kawhi Leonard, and little did they know his difference-making in the next 5 years. 2013 was a near-fly by for the Spurs as they would only lose to a young Warriors team twice in the 2nd round. Then, LeBron James reappeared as a member of the Miami Heat. A new Finals rivalry would be born. And to think, the Spurs were heart-breakingly a Ray Allen rebound away from possibly claiming their 5th. But the next year, in 2014, it was like a revenge tour of sorts for the Spurs with Tim Duncan leading the way to the coveted 5th title. The Spurs would lose a total of 7 games in that postseason collectively against Dallas, Portland, Oklahoma City, and then Miami to claim the title.

We fast forward to the current times. 2026. A lot has changed, for sure, but the toughness of winning an NBA playoff series hasn’t. Truthfully, even this year’s journey for the Spurs has been quite the story. Victor Wembanyama’s concussion scare in the Portland series, losing Game 1 to Minnesota by a shot, and now taking on the much-anticipated series that fans sought.

Whether or not this year’s Western Conference Finals goes the Spurs’ way, just remember how the other beloved Spurs teams fought their way through years of patience and tough basketball to get to the promised land. That is what makes the San Antonio franchise inside and out so unique and lovable. At the end of the day, the Game 3 loss only gives Oklahoma City a 1-game lead. The Spurs are still very much in it with the young team they built, but as the series has already proven, being tough through the final buzzer is what it will take.

And who knows? 2027 is going to be a great year. It may be even sweeter for the Silver and Black.

This article is proudly sponsored by Exotic Takeout, located at 10315 Perrin Beitel in San Antonio, Texas. If you’re looking for top-tier flower and great vibes in the city, make sure to check them out. Follow Exotic Takeout on Instagram at @ExoticTakeout2.0 and experience why their slogan is “Cultivated For The Elevated.”

Photo Credit: San Antonio Spurs/ X

After another disappointing loss Friday at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder, it is mandatory that the Spurs take home a win in Game 4. Even with another strong performance by Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio’s inability to maintain momentum throughout the game cost it dearly at a critical moment in the series.

Game 3 sparked hope for a possible win for the Spurs, until it didn’t. The Spurs entered the game with a fully stocked roster, no injuries and motivated to regain control of the series. They started off with a hot start, draining shots to build a 15-0 first quarter lead.

Impact Players

Most of the high energy stemmed from a key player who made an epic return. Straight off an ankle injury, De’Aaron Fox showed up and showed out. He showed fans why his presence matters and how impactful he can really be when it comes to directing explosive plays. His ability to attack the rim and use his speed to his advantage is what sets him apart from other guards.

As the game continued, the Spurs relied heavily on their star players to keep the momentum alive.

Wembanyama had another impressive performance offensively with 26 points. He showcased his versatility when it came to shot selection. He was able to handle the ball, create space and shoot effectively. Alongside him, Devin Vassell showed no remorse to OKC’s defense. He was able to confidently pull-up and shoot, knocking down 3’s to keep the Spurs within reach.

A Change of Pace

However, the Spurs didn’t keep the momentum for long as they failed to protect the ball and make shots. The Thunder quickly responded with extreme physicality on defense and efficient scoring to erase the early deficit and then extend the lead.

Two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 26 points, making 12 free throws in the second half. But it was OKC’s bench that truly made a difference scoring 76 points while shooting 62 percent. Jared McCain scored 24 points, Jaylin Williams added 18 points with 5 clutch 3-pointers, Alex Caruso had 15 points, and Cason Wallace contributed 11 points. Their high energy and scoring depth proved to be too much for the Spurs to overcome late in the game.

Oklahoma City takes the playoff series lead 2-1. If the Spurs hope to even the series, they have to remain consistent throughout all four quarters and not allow OKC to have any room for scoring opportunities.

Spurs looking for a Response

Many of the problems the Spurs had in Game 2 were the same problems in Game 3. They struggled to run an efficient offense, oftentimes rushing plays, waiting for shots behind the arc instead of moving the ball, creating space and driving into the paint. While the Spurs had fewer turnovers compared to Game 2, it still contributed to the lack of execution on offense, especially during key moments which gave them any chance of momentum. Coach Mitch Johnson spoke about their struggles in the post-game press conference.

“I thought there were some times tonight we were chasing the game a little bit,” Johnson said. “We weren’t working the game and trying to settle in … I thought we got in a hurry a couple of times. We rushed ourselves.”

The extreme physicality of OKC’s defense continued to aggravate the Spurs in Game 3 after aggressively defending Wembanyama in Game 2. During transition, Stephon Castle drove for a layup where Caruso came in flying behind fouling Castle causing both of them to hit the floor. Castle became infuriated and tensions between the two teams began to rise. A few possessions later, Castle attacked the rim again and was fouled by AJ Mitchell causing him to lose balance and crash to the ground. Mitchell was assessed with a flagrant foul.

Although Wembanyama was able to knock down shots with his jumper, he has to be in the paint where the guards can consistently feed him. The paint is also where he dominates defensively, blocking shots and rebounding. He finished Game 3 with only four rebounds. Rebounding is crucial because offensive rebounds lead to second chances, which is what the Spurs needed in Game 3.

Oklahoma City’s physicality is a direct correlation as to why the Spurs struggled offensively. It explains why they couldn’t set up and execute their offense. It explains why their turnovers were still high and it explains why Wembanyama was operating more around the perimeter instead of attacking the paint where OKC consistently crowded the paint and made extreme contact.

In the post-game presser, Wembanyama spoke about how they plan to respond in Game 4 after facing a deficit for the first time.

“It’s my first playoffs, it’s the first playoffs for many of us,” said Wembanyama. “Of course there was going to be hard trials you know, it’s to be expected. But now we’re going to see what we’re made of.”

This article is proudly sponsored by Exotic Takeout, located at 10315 Perrin Beitel in San Antonio, Texas. If you’re looking for top-tier flower and great vibes in the city, make sure to check them out. Follow Exotic Takeout on Instagram at @ExoticTakeout2.0 and experience why their slogan is “Cultivated For The Elevated.”

Picture Credit: Images/ Via Reuters

The Spurs took a devastating loss on Wednesday night after coming off of a dominant performance in Game 1. They struggled to maintain consistency on both ends of the court which exposed weaknesses that allowed Oklahoma City to capitalize every possession. Despite the weaknesses displayed from this young team, there is still hope for a strong run in this playoff series.

Entering Game 2, many fans in the sports world were wondering if the Spurs’ dominance would continue or would the Thunder get back to their style of basketball. In fact, the Thunder did just that. They tied up the playoff series 1-1, clinching a crucial 122-113 victory.

Thunder Set the Tone Early

The Thunder started off the game with high intensity, setting the pace by disrupting the Spurs’ ability to establish their offense. Oklahoma City displayed efficiency offensively, hitting a high percentage of shots. Veteran guard Alex Caruso made his presence known for the second consecutive game, with consistent defensive energy and meaningful possessions on offense. Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander proved why he is a two-time MVP with 30 points, four rebounds and nine assists. He showcased his strength in maintaining game tempo while orchestrating plays and creating opportunities for teammates.

What truly stuck out about OKC’s performance was its defense. In Game 1, Victor Wembanyama scored 41 points. In game 2, OKC adjusted its defense, using multiple players to guard him and holding Wemby under four points in the first, second and fourth quarters. Throughout the game, Wemby appeared to be annoyed by Isaiah Hartenstein’s roughness in the paint.

Players from each team were flying across the court in hopes to secure possession of the ball but the Thunder’s extreme physicality showed the aggressive mentality they possess. They were able to force 21 turnovers that turned into easy points in fast-break transitions that the Spurs struggled to recover from. Overall, Oklahoma City was simply the better team, executing at a high level on both offense and defense.

Castle Shines Under Pressure

Even amid the Thunder’s relentless performance, the young guard Stephon Castle stole the spotlight, scoring 25 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists along with a crazy poster dunk over Isaiah Hartenstein. Castle led the way in the first half with 16 points and continued to keep the Spurs close throughout the game showing poise despite the pressure in a playoff environment.

Picture Credit: San Antonio Spurs/ IG

Despite Castle’s strong performance, every basket that was made was met with an answer from OKC, preventing the Spurs from taking control. The Thunder were able to chip away at any momentum the Spurs tried to obtain, ultimately maintaining their lead into the second half.

Throughout the second half, the San Antonio Spurs tried to gain control over the momentum of the game with players like Wembanyama and Devin Vassell making their presence known by putting points on the board. The resilience that these players showed on offense against the Thunders’ defense gave the Spurs moments of hope.

What Went Wrong for the Spurs

In order to bring home a win on Friday night, the Spurs have to execute on offense, take care of the ball and reciprocate the intensity the Thunder showcased during Game 2. The Spurs have shown that they are capable of being able to play at a high level, so one loss doesn’t define their team or the direction of this series.

The problems that stood out from this game were how flustered the Spurs became, causing them to rush their offense and force difficult shots. This allowed the Thunder to take control of the pace of the game. The Spurs have to calm down and become grounded so that they can accurately run their offense, move the ball, and make cuts instead of throwing up shots or forcing passes that result in turnovers.

Many criticize Castle for having 20 turnovers during the first two games but realize that one of their veteran guards, De’Aaron Fox, is out due to an ankle injury. Castle has this huge responsibility that has been forced on him, causing him to mature faster in a high intensity environment. Castle explained that he is aware of the high number of turnovers and accepted responsibility for his role in Game 2 in the post-game press conference.

“The biggest thing is just playing off two feet, not getting sped up,” Castle said. “Obviously, I didn’t do a great job of that, but yeah, just trying to keep my teammates involved. Trying not to do too much on the offensive end.”

Although his turnovers are excessive, he is still young and has much room left to grow. He has had to take on a huge role of facilitating the Spurs offense which will come with errors. His performances are outstanding on offense and defense; he just has to protect the ball more. These are valuable reps and moments that are needed in his development. Diamonds are a result of pressure and Castle is being shaped through moments like these.

The Potential of Game 3

As the playoff series continues, Game 3 will serve as a pivotal point that will determine if the Spurs will be able to capitalize off of the Game 2 loss. Improving their execution on offense and keeping turnovers low while maintaining composure will be key. If they are able to make those adjustments, they will have the chance to reclaim control of the series and have the potential of extending this series to six or seven games.

This article is proudly sponsored by Exotic Takeout, located at 10315 Perrin Beitel in San Antonio, Texas. If you’re looking for top-tier flower and great vibes in the city, make sure to check them out. Follow Exotic Takeout on Instagram at @ExoticTakeout2.0 and experience why their slogan is “Cultivated For The Elevated.”

Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

After witnessing one of the best playoff games in recent memory, a lot of fans are talking about the biggest talking points: Dylan Harper’s immaculate play as a Rookie, the “out of left field” performance by Alex Caruso, and of course Victor Wembanyama scoring 41 points and grabbing 24 rebounds (not to mention hitting a 3 from a different continent) to secure the double overtime win in Game 1.

What may get lost in all of the chatter is the play of the now 2x MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. If Commissioner Adam Silver is correct in saying that people will only watch the highlights and check out the box scores, then to a casual fan it may seem like 24 points and 12 assists would be a pretty great game. Those who actually watched the game know that the Spurs young guns made SGA’s night one to forget, and even though it was in limited minutes, I think that Carter Bryant deserves more of the praise than he’s getting.

After one year as an Arizona Wildcat, it was clear what Bryant could bring to the Spurs; his defensive presence. His ability to switch onto multiple positions effortlessly catapulted him into being a lottery pick, along with his 3 point shooting ability (37%) albeit on limited attempts. You have to be pretty special to be selected as a lottery pick while only averaging 6.5 points per game, and in brief glimpses this year, he’s proven that he is indeed very special.

The box score stats certainly won’t make any headlines; he averaged a modest 4 points and 2.5 rebounds a game in 11 minutes a night, but when you look at his Per 36 numbers they show the promise of a very solid pro. What’s been most impressive to me during this year is that when Mitch Johnson calls Bryant’s number, he shows up more often than not. Now, he’s not immune to making rookie mistakes. I was particularly annoyed with this backdoor cut by Jalen Williams in the 3rd quarter of Game 1:

Despite this blunder in a tight game, Bryant set the tone defensively with his intensity, and that’s something he’s managed to do all year long. Again, the stat sheet won’t say so, but on the year when Bryant was the primary defender, offensive players shot over 10% worse than league average which put him in the 88th percentile of defenders. On top of that, while Bryant was guarding, offensive players took 2 shots less per game which was in the 68th percentile. Not too shabby for a Rookie who didn’t get a lot of playing time, right?

With the plethora of talent that San Antonio has, it is very easy to get lost in the shuffle. Even the thing that Bryant is known for gets overshadowed on his own team because of the caliber of defender that Steph Castle is and the extraterrestrial defender that Victor Wembanyama is. Even still, Bryant was able to make an impact all year long, and did so again in Game 1 even in limited minutes. Bryant finished the night with a +10 Box Plus/Minus (a metric used to estimate a basketball player’s contribution to the team when that player is on the court) in nearly 14 minutes. Again, those who just checked the box score will say that his 3 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist was just a blip on the radar, but those who actually watched the game knew what Bryant was bringing to the table.

He still needs reps, don’t get me wrong; I wouldn’t expect him to be getting 20+ minutes a night for the rest of the playoffs this year, but in the very near future he will be ready, and he’ll take on the mantle of being the best perimeter defender on the team. For a while now many people, myself included, have been saying that the Spurs don’t need any more true superstar level talent; they just need elite role players. With guys like Wemby, Castle, and Harper, your offensive responsibility is covered. What they need now are guys who will do the dirty work. They need the 2020’s versions of Boris Diaw, Patty Mills, and Brent Barry, and in the very near future I think that we’ll really start to see the 2020’s version of Bruce Bowen in Carter Bryant.

I personally believe that he has a higher potential ceiling defensively than Bruce Bowen, and while I don’t think he’ll ever reach the heights that Kawhi Leonard did in San Antonio, I think he’ll end up being closer to The Klaw than Bowen. Regardless of which All-World defender he turns out to be most similar to, once he’s ready to take the leap he’ll be added to the starting lineup and be part of the best defensive team in the league, maybe even the best defensive team in league history.

He’s got great length, he’s incredibly strong, he can switch 1-4 reliably, and at times he can even play a “Small Ball 5” if the Spurs need him to. He still has a ways to go to earn a starting spot on this team, and he needs to improve offensively if he wants to stay on the floor, but with everything he’s displayed during his Rookie year and this playoff run there is reason to be hopeful. The future is incredibly bright in San Antonio, and it’s for more reasons than the new age Big 3 of Castle, Harper, and Wemby. Carter Bryant will eventually become undeniable on this team and he’ll make his presence known to the league as well. Who knows? Maybe he’ll win the hearts of the fans and go down as a Spurs Legend.

Carter Bryant has certainly impressed me this year, but what do you think? Is there someone else on this team that you’re really impressed by? How many games do you think this series will go to? Let us know in the comments below!

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This article is proudly sponsored by Exotic Takeout, located at 10315 Perrin Beitel in San Antonio, Texas. If you’re looking for top-tier flower and great vibes in the city, make sure to check them out. Follow @ExoticTakeout2.0 and experience why their slogan is “Cultivated For The Elevated.”

Photo Credit: San Antonio Spurs/IG

For years, the Western Conference belonged to veterans but now the young San Antonio Spurs players are seizing the moment whenever their number is called. Behind jaw-dropping playoff performances and a persistent hunger for greatness, the Spurs have brought back the championship swagger to San Antonio.

These young Spurs are making history one game at a time. Victor Wembanyama won Defensive Player of the Year and became the youngest player in NBA history to record 41 points and 24 rebounds in a playoff game, joining Spurs legend and Hall of Famer David Robinson in the elite category.

Wembanyama’s impact is far beyond the box score. At 7-4 with an 8-foot wingspan, his presence alone reshapes how opponents compete against the Spurs. Teams are forced to alter their offensive game plans, often avoiding the paint due to his rim protection. He serves as the true anchor on defense, blocking all shots at the rim and closing possible driving lanes. On offense, he continues to use his size to an advantage by creating space for shots for both himself and his teammates. Being an anchor on offense and defense has made Wembanyama a dominant force for the Spurs in the playoffs.

Not to be outdone, rookie Dylan Harper became just the second rookie in NBA history to record 24 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists in a playoff game. The only other rookie to accomplish that feat was Magic Johnson.

Harper has proven time and time again that he is made for the big stage. In a playoff matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers, he scored 27 points in a critical game 3 win for the Spurs. Against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he was able to break down their defense by getting downhill and finishing at the rim. He is able to come off the bench and make crucial plays on offense for the Spurs. He has been one of the key components of the team’s success in the playoffs.

Stephon Castle has been another huge contributor as well in the Spurs post-season success. He recorded a double-double in the Game 3 win against the Timberwolves in the semifinals. He then recorded another double-double in the Game 1 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the finals that went into overtime twice.

After his dominant performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals, he became the first player in Spurs history to have 32 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists in a playoff game. Within 30 minutes, he was able to drain five 3-pointers leading to the playoff finals. This performance has shown how much Castle has grown as a perimeter shooter and his ability to work their offense and make plays for his team

The chemistry of Wembanyama (22), Harper (20) and Castle (21) have given the fan base hope for another Spurs dynasty. The unique skills that all three of these players possess can carry this team to a possible championship run. With the grit and determination these players showcase, the trio is beginning to look like the next big three in the NBA. Despite their young age, the Spurs look poised for a bright future.

These young Spurs are not only bringing back a winning tradition to San Antonio, they are carving their names in NBA history while continuing an exciting series playoff run.

This article is proudly sponsored by Exotic Takeout, located at 10315 Perrin Beitel in San Antonio, Texas. If you’re looking for top-tier flower and great vibes in the city, make sure to check them out. Follow Exotic Takeout on Instagram at @ExoticTakeout2.0 and experience why their slogan is “Cultivated For The Elevated.”

Photo Credit: NBA.com

In a predicted nail-biter of a first game in the Western Conference Finals, the Spurs were able to force double overtime on the Oklahoma City Thunder. This series is and will continue to be a good test for this young San Antonio team. Also considering De’Aaron Fox was ruled ‘out’ prior to tip, the team would need to prevail without their veteran ball facilitator.

Of course, Victor Wembanyama did what Victor Wembanyama does - 41 points and 24 rebounds in 49 minutes. Those are numbers that are rarely seen in the NBA Playoffs, especially by a 22-year-old. But two fellow Spurs that deserve just as much credit for this win are Devin Vassell and the rookie Dylan Harper.

To start, Vassell’s statline showing 5 of 12 from the field may be misleading to a stat guru. His performance looked way more impressive than what the numbers may suggest. During the game, hitting open 3-point shots proved to be working for a time, going 3 for 9. It made a big difference in the team’s scoring as collectively they would go 13 of 43 from beyond the arc. Down the stretch, with 45 seconds left in the 2nd overtime, as an offensive rebound by Oklahoma City’s big man Chet Holmgren was about to be slammed back in, Vassell leaped up and slapped the ball away, recording 1 of 2 blocks in the game. He also had 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal. Without that block, it would be a 2-point game. Vassell also recorded the most minutes of anyone on the Spurs team with 51 throughout the 58 total minutes of the game played.

Dylan Harper’s stats in Game 1 were very impressive, as he would be the point guard of the night in lieu of Fox. Harper shot 8 of 20 from the field, hit all 7 of his free throws, collected 11 rebounds, recorded 6 assists, and 7 steals. He was all over the court in the win both defensively and offensively. What was even more impressive about Harper in Game 1 was his adaptability as the point guard. Whether it would be finding Wembanyama in the post, dumping off a pass to Vassell to fire a long-distance shot, or taking it to the hoop himself, he was finding ways to get the job done.

San Antonio will need all the energy from this nail-biting and hard-fought win in Game 2 on Wednesday. What Game 1 also proved is that Vassell and Harper’s abilities around the floor may be underestimated. The performance by the Spurs as a whole to pull out the victory in a game full of deep runs by both squads may also indicate fans are in for one heck of a series.

This article is proudly sponsored by Exotic Takeout, located at 10315 Perrin Beitel in San Antonio, Texas. If you’re looking for top-tier flower and great vibes in the city, make sure to check them out. Follow Exotic Takeout on Instagram at @ExoticTakeout2.0 and experience why their slogan is “Cultivated For The Elevated.”

The Western Conference Finals are finally here and I couldn’t be more excited. This matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs marks the first time the two have met in the Western Conference Finals since the 2013-2014 season. The teams look different, but the philosophies and styles are eerily similar.

The Thunder are led by a bonafide superstar, who’s efficient as the day is long, and just won the league’s Most Valuable Player Award. The Spurs are led by a generational player with a defensive specialty, surrounded with a fantastic cast of elite role players. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

A lot can be said about the kind of basketball that we’re about to witness over the next 4-7 games, but what can’t be denied is that both of these teams belong here. Pretty early on into the season, and certainly after the Christmas Day games, it seemed like these two teams were on a collision course for the postseason. Both teams won 60+ games, both teams won 30+ at home, both teams had players who earned some major hardware during the season, and both teams (you could argue) are too young to compete at this big of a stage.

For many years the rule of thumb was that the league’s best players don’t win a title until they are 27-29 years old, and when you look at NBA history the exceptions are few and far between. The Thunder were great last year, absolutely, but until they started to pull away in the 4th quarter of Game 7 in the 2025 NBA Finals not many people in the NBA fandom truly believed that they could win the title.

“They’re supposed to get their battle scars first.”

“They’re just too young.”

“Their time will come, but not this year.”

That’s why they play the game on the hardwood and not on paper. The same could be said about this Spurs team; some of their best players are 20, 21, and 22 so many people will (and have been) saying that it’s much too early for them to take the crown. To borrow a phrase from a former MVP, “why not us?”

There is star power a-plenty in this series, but like most playoff series, the role players will play a HUGE factor in the outcome: for every Shaq and Kobe there’s a Robert Horry, for every LeBron and Dwyane Wade there’s a Ray Allen, and for every Jordan and Pippen there’s a John Paxson. So the question has to be asked now, who’s going to be the X-Factor for each team in this series? There are a lot of great candidates; the Thunder and the Spurs are some of the youngest teams in the league so they’re going to be this good for quite some time (not to mention the fact that each front office knows how to evaluate talent so they’ll be able to supplement any lost talent for years to come), but in my mind there are two players in particular that could single handedly swing a game in their team’s favor, and may very well be the reason that their team ends up in the NBA Finals.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Ajay Mitchell

It didn’t take long after Ajay Mitchell signed his 3 year/$9M contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder for fans to realize that Mitchell was MUCH better than what his contract is worth. Without Jalen Williams for the early part of the season the Thunder needed someone to step up in his place, and the UC Santa Barbara product answered the call. He scored double digit points in 24 of his first 29 games to start the season, was a reliable secondary ballhandler and decision maker, and played above average defense for his position.

In late January, Mitchell was diagnosed with an abdominal strain (and later an ankle injury) and missed the next 20 games. He did manage to pick up right where he left off, however, scoring 24 points and shoot 56% from the field in his first game back from injury. His fantastic play continued throughout the rest of the season and there is an argument to be made that if he didn’t miss so much time, he could have been the one to win the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year Award.

Mitchell apparently had a chip on his shoulder from not winning the award because he averaged 18/4/4 with 47/36/89 shooting splits in the 8 games the Thunder have played in this postseason so far. Much like the regular season the Thunder have been without Jalen Williams for the majority of their playoff run, and Ajay Mitchell has stepped up yet again. Jalen Williams is set to play in Game 1, but with his up and down play (and availability) this year I wouldn’t expect too much from him in the box score. I do, however, expect Mitchell to provide the stellar play he’s displayed all year long.

The Spurs certainly have players they could throw at Mitchell to slow him down like Steph Castle, De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, and even Carter Bryant, but it’s hard to think that they’d be able to snuff out his production completely. There is a glimmer of hope for Spurs fans, however, because in the two games that Mitchell has played the Spurs this year he’s been held to averages of 10/6/4. The guard play is the thing that I’m personally looking forward to the most during this series, and Ajay Mitchell is certainly a big reason for that.

San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper

There’s been a debate online recently about what Harper’s nickname should be; shout out to AJ from The Baseline Bums Podcast because I think they’ve nailed it:

“The Harpbreak Kid” Dylan Harper

Much like the San Antonio native “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels, if you’re not careful, Dylan Harper will certainly break your heart. No one has been more surprised, relieved, and proud of the way that Harper has played this year and this postseason than I am. By every available metric and line of thought, Harper shouldn’t be ready for this moment. During his lone year at Rutgers, the team wasn’t good enough to be invited to the NCAA Tournament, so this is his first taste of postseason play at any real level, and he’s made his mark.

Through the 11 games the Spurs have played the former #2 overall pick as averaged 13.7/5/2 on 56/37/85 shooting splits. He’s scored in double figures AND shot better than 50% from the field in 8 of the 11 games. It’s not just his scoring effort that’s turning heads; it’s his ability to leave his fingerprints all over the game. He rebounds exceptionally well for his position, he’s a reliable secondary and tertiary playmaker and facilitator, and his defensive effort as a rookie has been astounding. For someone who was touted as a “zero” on defense coming into last year’s draft, he’s more than shed that reputation and he’s ready to take this team to the next level. Victor Wembanyama, rightly so, will get a majority of the headlines and will be the catalyst to this team’s postseason success, but for this series specifically, I think that Dylan Harper will give the Thunder hell. When Dylan Harper is the reason the Spurs win a pivotal Game 5, you remember who told you first.

There are a lot of reasons to be excited about this series: we have the MVP taking on the DPOY, we have the reigning MVP taking on a future MVP, we have elite role players on both squads, and with how youthful both teams are this could very well be the first chapter in a decade long story.

There is also a good argument to be made that this is the de facto NBA Finals. Respectfully to the Cavaliers and the Knicks, I’m not sure that either of them could match up well enough with either of these teams. Regardless of who wins in the East, I think that the winner of the Western Conference Finals series will go on to win the whole thing. That is, as long as they don’t eat each other alive in the process.

There are plenty of players who could swing the series, but who do you think is going to make the biggest impact? Let us know in the comments below!

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