Spurs' uncharacteristic loss to Utah gives Wemby a chance to pass a new test

Losing now is different than it was just a few short weeks ago. The Spurs have played their way into high expectations. They may have dropped the ball to Utah, but that wasn't until after going on an eight-game winning streak, during which Victor Wembanyama and company beat some of the league's best. What they do next will determine how legitimate they truly are.

We've seen flashes in the pan before. Teams go on runs, and sometimes, their dominance spans over a few weeks. Eventually, there is a regression to the mean for the ones faking their contender status. Whipping OKC a few times showed the NBA that San Antonio has the talent to compete now, but winning championships requires mental fortitude—not just physical ability.

So now that everyone is looking at the Silver and Black with expectations, how will they respond to losing games they shouldn't? Much of that rests on the shoulders of their best player.

Wembanyama must continue to set the tone

During media day, Vic didn't mince words when discussing San Antonio's standard for the 2025-26 season. If you want to see the floor, you're going to have to play defense. The matador technique has been a popular style over the past five years, but it will not be accepted any longer. In the first game of the year in Dallas, Wemby brought unreal intensity on both ends of the floor, and the team has followed suit ever since.

Before their recent loss to the Jazz, they were undefeated against teams under .500, taking every team with the right amount of respect necessary to sustain winning. As soon as you let your guard down, disrespecting another professional squad, you'll get got. That's what happened against Utah, and Mitch Johnson said as much after the game.

To expand on that point, Coach Pop used to stress the importance of having the appropriate fear every night the guys walk into a game. If they treat every opponent like the very real threat they are, to not just win the night but embarrass them, it will happen much less. Learning that lesson right after beating OKC twice in a row is perfect timing.

They hit a low immediately after coming off an unbelievable high, and it's just a reminder of how quickly this league will humble you. The Cavaliers are coming to town next, and they should get the best the Spurs have to offer. Wembanyama should be the one to lead that charge as the best player on the roster. They'll only go as far as he takes them.