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Victor Wembanyama doubles down on Spurs' plan everyone doubted

There was always a plan.
Apr 26, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) celebrates a three point basket by guard De'aaron Fox (4) during the first half of game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Apr 26, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) celebrates a three point basket by guard De'aaron Fox (4) during the first half of game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

It's surreal to look back on the conversations surrounding this team last offseason, compared to the reality of where they are now. There were constant critiques of this roster with people demanding the Spurs "do something" to take advantage of how quickly Victor Wembanyama has catapulted himself into best in the world conversations. Turns out, Wemby was always on board with a steady approach.

He's not wrong. There's something to be said for practicing restraint when you really don't have to. San Antonio had and still has a bunch of assets they could package to go after star talent, but why would you do that when the potential for star production at a cheaper price is already on the roster?

Brian Wright saw the vision. His patience paved the road to the success the Spurs have traveled this season, and Wembanyama is driving the bus.

The Spurs don't have many weaknesses

Look at each position on this roster. The talent and versatility are off the charts. More importantly, they have key players in the most important parts of the floor for playoff basketball. They control the paint with a monster in the middle, and when Luke Kornet enters the game, opponents may take more interior shots, but getting buckets is still tough.

Kornet is a strong rim protector and a solid defensive rebounder. His ability to fill in for Wembanyama with such effectiveness has been a game-changer for this squad. You can't win in the postseason if your interior defense has more holes than a cheese grater. Controlling that part of the floor has undeniable importance in any series.

That's where the guard play comes in. The Spurs won't be the only team with a strong presence inside. As a matter of fact, they just played a team whose strength supposedly is defense, and the big men they have to patrol that exact area. That didn't really work out for them too much, though, and that three-headed monster of De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper is a significant reason why.

Any one of them can break down their defender and reach the interior, which, of course, forces the defense to rotate. Rotating defenses lead to open shooters, and while this team wasn't projected to be that great at the deep ball, they're first among all 16 playoff teams in three-point percentage this postseason (41.8%).

The shooting comes from everywhere, too. Wembanyama himself, the guards, and the wings who are locking down every action on the other side when they're not splashing timely buckets. It's a horrific formula to solve for opponents, and nobody thought it possible at the start of the season. That foresight, that's growth, and that's Spurs basketball.

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