A season that began with dreams of the Play-In Tournament has become a campaign for much loftier playoff aspirations.
SAN ANTONIO — A season of hope has evolved into one of expectation for the Spurs, whose NBA-best record of 26-9 since Jan. 1 has propelled them into watercooler conversations over how far they can take a playoff run.
Most would have considered simply making the playoffs a sign of success for this team on the rebound that’s missed the postseason each of the last six years. At 50-18 and holding down the Western Conference’s No. 2 seed by a seven-game margin entering play Tuesday, the team is crafting a historic turnaround sure to get Victor Wembanyama some MVP votes in a few weeks’ time (granted he meets the 65-game requirement).
Wemby himself isn’t satisfied with the Spurs notching at least 50 wins this regular season, a benchmark they hadn’t reached since 2016-2017 until securing it with a victory over the Kawhi Leonard-less Clippers in LA.
“It means growth, but it’s still not enough. I want to get to at least 60 to balance out my rookie season,” Wembanyama said after Monday’s win, referencing the 22-60 record from his rookie year.
He may have let loose a smile with the answer. But anyone watching the franchise cornerstone this season – from his emotional reactions to comeback victories to setting a more competitive tone at the All-Star game – would understand his standards are high, his words genuine.
It’s also a reflection of just how much success the Spurs have achieved this season while re-energizing their fanbase. San Antonio is 8-1 against the Pistons, Celtics and Thunder – the three other teams with at least 45 wins this season – and boasts a mix of veteran experience and youthful fearlessness, a result of smart offseason acquisitions and intentional NBA Draft moves.
And, according to Wemby, preparation.
“I hope we can be this locked in for all the seasons to come, because it was a really high-level preparation,” he said Monday. “Mentally, physically, for everybody. The amount of film we did, this is the reason we were so ready for the season.
“I try to leave the least things possible to randomness,” the Frenchman added. “The big thing for me has also been holding everybody that works with me to this standard.”
Even with the success and at least a play-in spot secured, Wembanyama said the team can’t lose sight of what it’s capable of this year—and the games still to come. If the Spurs want to measure up to Wemby’s standard for the last few weeks of the regular season, they have to go at least 10-4 to secure the franchise’s eighth 60-win campaign.
It isn’t impossible: Just six of the Spurs’ remaining 14 games are against opponents with a record of .500 or better. Half of the matchups are at home, including the final four.
“We’ve still got 14 games,” Wembanyama said. “It’s very possible those last 14 games are satisfying or not; this is why we’ve gotta take each step at a time.”