Spurs are dominating 2 not-so-surprising stats showcasing evolved mindset

At the beginning of training camp, Coach Gregg Popovich, Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, and others expressed a renewed focus on winning this year. While the Spurs remain one of the youngest squads in the NBA, their culture has transformed from learning through trial and error to pushing to win games while growing on the fly. The shift in mentality has been apparent several games in.

After a disappointing matchup against OKC, Coach Pop made it clear to the players that it takes a full 48 minutes to win in this league. They needed to give consistent energy through every quarter, and if the last two games are any indication, that message has resonated.

The Spurs' focus on defense and rebounding is paying off

The 18-point victory over Utah wasn’t too shocking—the Jazz have more work ahead to reshape their team—but the 10-point win over a Minnesota Timberwolves team that was in the Western Conference Finals last season is a stronger sign of growth.

For the sake of transparency, it’s worth noting that Minnesota was on the second leg of a back-to-back after a tight matchup against the Nuggets. But even so, Anthony Edwards and his squad put up 32 in the first period, so it was a little difficult to spot the fatigue.

Last season, the Spurs might have let an early deficit balloon, but instead, they tightened their defense and closed the gap by the end of the first quarter. This resilience is a hallmark of their new mindset, having fought back every time their opponents have pushed a lead this season.

While expectations for Victor Wembanyama’s second season have been sky-high (some even projecting him as a 30-point-per-game scorer), the Spurs have been winning with a more collective approach.

The team is currently third in two crucial categories: defensive rating (107.3) and rebounds per game (48). This is a nod to the classic Spurs identity that defined the Tim Duncan era—a commitment to rebounding, defending, and controlling the game with effort and focus.

Against Minnesota, San Antonio outrebounded the Timberwolves 44-32, held them to a modest 29.7% from three, forced 12 turnovers compared to their 11, and blocked five shots. The Spurs are also third in the NBA in loose balls recovered, showing they’re playing with renewed energy and attention to detail on both ends of the floor.

The learn-as-you-win process is working for the Spurs so far

As their offensive flow develops, the Spurs are finding success from multiple contributors. They scored over 110 points for the first time this season, with Keldon Johnson leading in scoring with 25 points. They had five players reach double figures, indicating that they’re embracing a team-first mentality that echoes Popovich’s philosophies for ball movement and trust.

With Vassell and Tre Jones expected back soon, the team’s offensive and defensive potential should continue to rise. Both players will be net positives on both ends of the floor, so the possibilities for the season should excite fans.

If San Antonio can boost its scoring average to around 115 points per game and maintain a top-five defense, the playoffs look well within reach. This hungry, disciplined team is proving to fans and the league alike that they’re ready to turn the page into a new but familiar era of Spurs basketball.