The San Antonio Spurs entered the 2026 season with modest expectations. By the time their campaign ended, they had transformed into one of the NBA's biggest success stories.
Just one year after finishing with a 34-48 record, San Antonio surged to 62 wins and reached the NBA Finals, completing one of the most dramatic turnarounds in recent league history. The achievement came during a period of transition, with Mitch Johnson stepping into the head coaching role following Gregg Popovich's departure due to health concerns.
Powered by a rapidly developing young core led by Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant, the Spurs emerged as a legitimate title contender far sooner than many expected.
The improvement was evident on both ends of the floor. San Antonio climbed into the NBA's top three in offensive rating, defensive rating and net rating while finishing the regular season as one of the Western Conference's most consistent teams. A dominant run after the All-Star break cemented their status among the league's elite.
Any concerns about the team's lack of playoff experience quickly disappeared once the postseason began.
The Spurs advanced past the Portland Trail Blazers in the opening round before defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in six games. Their defining moment came in the Western Conference Finals against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Facing a 3-2 series deficit, San Antonio responded with victories in Games 6 and 7, including a dramatic double-overtime triumph to secure a place in the NBA Finals.
Their success was historic. With an average age of just 22.4 years in the starting lineup, the Spurs became the youngest team ever to reach the conference finals. Wembanyama also joined rare company by reaching the NBA Finals in his first playoff appearance as a First-Team All-NBA selection.
However, the championship series against the New York Knicks exposed the challenges that often come with youth.
Although San Antonio showed flashes of brilliance and claimed Game 3, the team struggled to maintain control in key moments. The Spurs repeatedly built substantial leads only to see them disappear as the series progressed. Their most painful setback came in Game 4 when they surrendered a 29-point advantage in a loss that shifted momentum firmly in New York's favour.
While San Antonio consistently started games strongly, execution became an issue later in contests. The Knicks repeatedly capitalised on mistakes, winning crucial stretches in the second half and proving more composed in pressure situations.
Johnson acknowledged the lesson after the series, admitting the Spurs were not yet ready to win a championship.
The Finals also served as a valuable learning experience for Wembanyama. Despite averaging 26 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.6 blocks per game, the French star struggled with efficiency and late-game execution. His shooting percentages declined throughout the series, while fatigue appeared to become a factor during the longest season of his professional career.
Several costly mistakes in crucial moments highlighted the fine margins that separate contenders from champions. Wembanyama was honest in his self-assessment, accepting responsibility and recognising areas where he must improve.
The same could be said for the entire roster.
Veteran guard De'Aaron Fox endured an inconsistent Finals, while rookie Dylan Harper showed encouraging signs despite limited opportunities. Across the roster, the experience provided a valuable education in what it takes to succeed on basketball's biggest stage.
Despite the disappointment, there is little reason for concern in San Antonio.
The Spurs have accelerated their rebuilding timeline and already possess one of the league's most talented young foundations. Wembanyama remains one of basketball's brightest stars, and the supporting cast continues to develop around him.
The defeat to New York may have delayed their championship ambitions, but it also provided a blueprint for future success. With valuable playoff experience now behind them and one of the NBA's most exciting young rosters in place, San Antonio appears well positioned to remain a contender for years to come.
For the Spurs, this season was not the end of a journey. It may have been the beginning of something much bigger.
