Spurs’ rise from overlooked to undeniable is rewriting expectations league-wide

The Spurs haven't been flawless this year, but they're perfect for San Antonio. The 2025-26 representatives of Alamo City have done so admirably, overachieving in the face of adversity, and proving to the teams around the NBA that they shouldn't underrate this ball club. 32 games into the season with a 23-9 record on New Year's Eve, we can break down why.

By the time this article drops, Victor Wembanyama will be getting ready to line up for the tip-off in their rematch against what's turning into their Eastern Conference rival, the New York Knicks. These two have had some explosive performances against each other, and every season, their games feel more electrified than the last. I could be pushing the rival thing, but that's an agenda I want to see through to the end.

Getting back on track—the Spurs have quickly become one of the most elite teams in the league, and here's why.

The Spurs have been accountable

You don't reach the top ten in both offensive and defensive ratings without total buy-in from each player in the rotation. The guys have fallen in line behind Mitch Johnson, and he's leading this group by encouraging togetherness, toughness, and attention to detail. We've heard more than one coach comment about the physicality of this Spurs team.

They've refused to let teams bully them just because they're younger. San Antonio crashes the glass, coming in fourth in total rebounding, and they hustle hard on defense. They're recovering the sixth-highest percentage of loose balls when opposing offenses get sloppy with it.

I harken back to the big win over the Nuggets without Victor Wembanyama in the lineup. Devin Vassell went ballistic, but Julian Champagnie was the unsung hero, taking it upon himself to crash the boards when the Silver and Black were getting pummeled on the boards. That's the stuff that will take you far, and they have it in spades.

Spurs players actually like each other

You can see the camaraderie plain as day before and after games in the clips shared by the team or media members; this is a close-knit group. I've been watching basketball for a long time. I can't tell you how many times I've heard a veteran or hall of famer say that you don't need to like your teammates to play together. While that may be true, it certainly helps.

You can lean on professionalism as much as you want, but the reality is that these are people. There are humanizing variables at play, especially in a game that takes so much out of them physically, mentally, and emotionally. So when you truly love someone, you fight for them a little harder. You try your damnest not to disappoint. And those celebrations when you succeed together are special.

That's another major benefit these Spurs have this season. They spent time together during the offseason and really got to know each other. They talk in group chats and have formed strong bonds. It matters.

Ex-head coach Gregg Popovich was famous for taking his players to group dinners. He knew how important those relationships were when you have guys spending 7-8 months together. It's nice to know that the tradition of togetherness is continuing under Mitch Johnson's watch.