Spurs are suddenly the team every contender dreads facing

The San Antonio Spurs took down the Los Angeles Lakers 132-119 in the NBA Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday, and proved one very important thing in the process: that this team has quickly become the type of squad every contender hates playing.

This has become the Spurs' reality due to how much more complete San Antonio's roster is compared to this time last year. They have a multitude of players capable of putting up big scoring nights in any given game, and their overall collection of talent is extremely balanced as a whole. The result is that the Spurs have now gone 8-3 since Victor Wembanyama has been out of the lineup.

That record speaks volumes about how far this roster has come. In years past, losing a top contributor due to injury would have spelled disaster. But now, with guys like De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper leading the way, the Spurs are thriving.

Fox has been a steady veteran scorer, Castle continues to show scoring versatility and poise beyond his years, and Harper has already shown some very exciting flashes. These players aren’t just filling scoring gaps, they’re creating a whole new offensive identity that commands the respect of opponents.

The Spurs have built themselves into a true contender

The Spurs’ win over the Lakers was the perfect illustration of this development. Stephon Castle erupted for a 30-point, 10-rebound night, positioning himself as a legitimate offensive threat in high-leverage moments. De’Aaron Fox chipped in with 20 points, and other veterans like Harrison Barnes and Keldon Johnson chipped in as well. Together, these performances showed how deeply balanced the Spurs’ attack has become, which lies in stark contrast to the more one-dimensional look of previous seasons.

Beyond scoring, this Spurs group has shown a commitment to defensive effort and rebounding that often gets overlooked. Even without Wembanyama’s rim protection, they’ve rotated well and contested shots, forcing opposing teams into tough looks. That kind of cohesion is not something you build overnight, and it’s a testament to this roster’s chemistry and the coaching staff’s ability to maximize what they have.

There’s also growing excitement around Wembanyama’s impending return. He's getting closer to rejoining the rotation, and his eventual comeback will only amplify what is already a dangerous Spurs squad. Having Wemby back alongside a now-battle-tested supporting cast could turn San Antonio into a legitimate threat not just in the West, but on a national stage.

All of this is why contenders around the league should be paying attention. The Spurs are no longer just another up and coming team, they’re a balanced, resilient, and increasingly complete team that can beat anyone on any given night, even without their biggest star. That’s the mark of a serious championship contender.