It was their fifth title across three decades - proof that the Spurs’ culture wasn’t just sustainable, it was generational. But that championship marked the end of an era.
Back then, the San Antonio Spurs were a legacy. The golden standard that was never meant to fall apart. However, Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard moved on. Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili retired.
The pillars that defined Spurs basketball were gone. And suddenly, after years of being competitive, the Spurs became irrelevant. They lost their identity and missed out on the postseason for six straight years.
Just a year ago, the Spurs were stuck at the bottom of the Western Conference. With more than a month remaining in the regular season, their playoff hopes were already extinguished. Directionless and rebuilding, they were searching for a foundation.
Just when it felt like the situation in Texas couldn’t get any worse, the franchise took a major hit after receiving brutal news – their biggest star, Victor Wembanyama, was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and will miss the remainder of the season.
San Antonio won just 34 games. Only the Pelicans and Jazz did worse in the West. But fast forward to late February 2026, and the Spurs already tallied 43 victories and only 16 losses. They sit in second place in the conference and eagerly chase the Oklahoma City Thunder to steal the top spot.
The team are currently on an 11-game winning streak – first one in a decade – and are playing its best basketball. What a difference a year can make.
After Wembanyama’s diagnosis, there was a lot of uncertainty. Is he going to recover to his old self? Also known as blood clots, this issue basically ended Chris Bosh’s decorated career.
The French superstar dedicated the following months to recovery. He remained patient and stayed engaged through lightweight lifting and conditioning drills. He participated in non-contact workouts.
In mid-July, he announced he got the green light to play basketball again without restrictions. To say he returned to his old self would sound like an insult.
The prodigy came back better, stronger, and prepared to compete in the stacked Western Conference. The first pillar of the Spurs’ resurgence was restored - with interest.
But Wembanyama’s injury was just a sliver of the adversity the Alamo City had to face last year. 10 days into the previous season, legendary head coach Gregg Popovich suffered a stroke.
For a team that had operated under one of the greatest basketball minds in history for nearly three decades, the shock was immeasurable. Suddenly, 38-year-old assistant Mitch Johnson was thrust into the spotlight.
Johnson handled the unexpected twist with grace. He quickly built trust with his players through honesty, transparency, and a hard-working attitude.
“Mitch would always keep it 100 with me, not sugarcoat it, tell me when I’m wrong, but also give you that praise. I feel like that builds trust. He’s earned that trust to be able to coach us, get on us and get the right response and get us motivated,” said Keldon Johnson, a Spurs veteran in his seventh season in San Antonio.
Despite battling a turbulent season, Johnson won the organisation’s trust. After his inaugural campaign concluded, the leadership removed his tag of acting head coach in May and appointed him the 19th head coach in club history.
With a full offseason to prepare, he began shaping the team in his image. Development became the priority.
Stephon Castle, the reigning Rookie of the Year, refined his efficiency - improving from 42.8 % shooting as a rookie to 46.4 % this season - and earned a Rising Stars All-Star selection. The front office added more young talent, drafting Dylan Harper at No. 2 and forward Carter Bryant at No. 14.
Harper quickly carved out a role, averaging 11 points in 22 minutes per game. The rookies embodied familiar Spurs traits: unselfishness, defensive commitment, and intelligence. The ecosystem began to function again.
The foundation was set, and all pieces started clicking. No more being stuck in the mud.
“Last year there was so much, and it was new for me, unplanned or prepared by me that I didn't know anything other than just trying to get through that day or what we were going through,” Johnson said.
Coming into the current season, Johnson was prepared. But he is convinced all the hardships served their purpose and helped to change the course for the legendary franchise.
“I do think now, and I think probably more as time goes on, last season probably served as a vehicle for this team to be as close as we are,” Johnson said.
"We've had a lot of unique, rare experiences. We've had some things that produce a lot of time together, and they produce events that typically stir or produce conversations, and maybe a little bit deeper conversations; things that make you reflect on life or things you’ve gone through.”
Adversity forged cohesion.
San Antonio have already won more games than last year, and they still have 23 regular-season games left. According to Phil Jackson’s infamous 40-20 rule, true championship contenders reach 40 wins before recording 20 losses.
Right now, there are only three teams fulfilling this mark so far: Oklahoma City, Detroit, and San Antonio. The Spurs aren’t just doing well. They have a legitimate shot at the NBA title.
After experiencing one of the darkest time periods in club history, the Spurs are back to being relevant. Here’s the thing – real franchises built on culture and standards don’t stay down forever.
Through smart roster building, efficient draft picks, and precise player development, the Spurs reignited the dynasty blueprint.
San Antonio found their identity again. With young players playing key roles, the future shines bright; it’s scary. After completing one of the fastest and best turnarounds, the Spurs aren’t chasing relevance anymore. They’re chasing the Larry O’Brien Trophy - and the league can feel it.