From “Go Spurs Go” chants to honking celebrations, Spurs fans brought the energy during the team’s Game 2 comeback win.
SAN ANTONIO — By the end of Wednesday night, the familiar sound of Spurs victory honking was echoing through The Rock at La Cantera once again.
Spurs fans may have been disappointed after Monday’s game, but they were not discouraged.
Thousands of people packed The Rock at La Cantera for Game 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, turning the outdoor venue into one of the city’s loudest watch party spots. Venue officials said about 3,000 fans cheered on the Spurs on Monday, and 5,000 people had already RSVP’d for Friday’s away game.
For many fans, The Rock has become the next best thing to being inside the arena.
“We’re so glad the Spurs organization put this together, created it, developed it, built it,” said Liza Fanelli. “It’s a blast.”
Laurie Kasch said the atmosphere makes a difference.
“It makes me feel like I am at the game when I can’t be there,” Kasch said.
Denise Almaraz called it a Spurs family reunion.
“Everybody’s here for the same reason, to root them on for the next game,” she said.
That energy was exactly what Gio Gabanto and Victoria Beale said they were looking for. Gabanto said they had gone to a previous playoff game and wanted to feel that same excitement again.
“We went to Game 5 last time when they played Portland,” Gabanto said.
This time, watching with thousands of fans at The Rock still felt special.
“I needed to see it, I needed to be a part of it,” Beale said. “I’ve been a Spurs fan all my life.”
For younger fans who grew up hearing about the championship era, this playoff run carries even more meaning.
“I was really young when Timmy, Manu and Tony were going through it,” Beale said. “So now getting to experience it, it means the world, honestly.”
Gabanto said he believes the Spurs are ready for the moment.
“We’ve been here before,” he said. “I’m confident we’ll do it again. I’m just excited to be a part of it this time.”
After Monday’s loss, fans said they were already looking ahead, hoping to see the team settle in and respond.
“Playing with poise, playing with confidence and sticking to the game plan,” Gabanto said.
Beale added that the Spurs need to trust the basics.
“Getting your right reads, getting your good shots, then everything in between will fall into place,” she said.
Fans also pointed to the team’s young core as a reason for confidence.
“Splash Bros! Seeing Dylan Harper and Steph Castle together, I love that,” Gabanto said. “I feel like the connection between Steph and Vic has been insane. They play like brothers.”
Beale had another request for the lineup.
“We need more French Vanilla,” she said. “We need to get Kornet in there.”
For Mindy and David Samaniego, Monday’s watch party marked their first time at The Rock. It also came on a special night: their anniversary.
“We’re definitely excited,” Mindy Samaniego said. “I think we got it in the bag.”
The couple said the Spurs have been part of their love story from the beginning.
“Today’s actually our anniversary,” David Samaniego said. “The Spurs brought us together in a lot of ways. One of our first dates was at a Spurs game.”
They said Victor Wembanyama has made this season impossible to miss.
“Wemby and just what he does on the court — you can’t explain it,” David Samaniego said. “If you’ve never seen it, it’s must-see TV.”
David Samaniego said watching Wembanyama shoot from deep and block shots has added a new level of excitement.
“He’s incredible,” he said. “You never know what to expect when you see him.”
But he said the excitement is not just about one player.
“Everybody steps up. That’s what makes this team such a great team,” he said. “Everyone plays their role. This has been one of the most exciting Spurs seasons to watch as a fan, for sure.”
For lifelong Spurs fan Cynthia Maggio, seeing the team back in the playoffs brings back old memories.
“It’s the most ecstatic, happiest, nostalgic feeling ever,” Maggio said.
She said Monday’s loss did not shake her confidence.
“That’s just Game 1. That’s it,” Maggio said. “It’s just a little taste. A little teaser.”
Maggio said she is enjoying the energy from the rookies, including Carter Bryant and Dylan Harper, and said Wembanyama brings back memories of one of the franchise’s greatest players.
“Wemby gives us our old-school Tim Duncan vibe,” she said.
Fans said they expected adjustments heading into game two.
“I feel like Coach Mitch is going to make some adjustments and they’re going to surprise us in a very good way,” Fanelli said. “And we’re gonna take this one.”
And if the Spurs do pull it off, some fans already know what comes next.
“Excited!” Kasch said. “Getting ready so we can go honking down the street!”
Reservations are not mandatory for Friday’s watch party at The Rock, but they are highly recommended. Visit @therockatlacantera on Instagram where they posted a link in their page’s highlights.
Venue officials said bags will be checked at three entrances, and no outside food or drinks will be allowed.
Shuttle service will be provided from Neiman Marcus beginning three hours before the game and one hour afterward.
For the fans filling The Rock, the message was simple.
“We’re gonna smack them in the face,” Beale said. “Spurs all day.”