The San Antonio Spurs’ 4–0 start to the 2025–26 season has officially turned heads across the NBA. Behind Victor Wembanyama’s early dominance, a strengthened defensive identity, and growing chemistry throughout the roster, San Antonio has surged to its best start in franchise history. It’s a statement from one of the league’s youngest teams — and a sign that the Spurs’ rebuild has quickly evolved into contention.
For Wembanyama, now in his third NBA season, the success reflects the work he and the team put in during the offseason to take the next step. Speaking after the Spurs’ win over the Toronto Raptors, he said the group’s mindset has been a major factor in its early rise.
“It feels great,” Wembanyama said. “Honestly, every night it feels like it’s where we should be. Winning motivates us even more to push, to work harder, and to keep this good momentum going.”
The 21-year-old forward-center has been the driving force behind San Antonio’s undefeated start, averaging 33.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 6.0 blocks during the first week of the season — a performance that earned him NBA Western Conference Player of the Week honors. His offensive polish and defensive versatility have made him an early MVP candidate, while his leadership continues to mature alongside a young roster learning how to win.
Building Trust and Leadership
Wembanyama set the tone for the season with a statement performance on opening night against the Dallas Mavericks, finishing with 40 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks. It was a defining reminder of the 21-year-old’s rare blend of skill, control, and defensive command — and a signal that he was ready to take the next leap from Rookie of the Year to franchise centerpiece.
“I think it’s a mix of mindset and teamwork,” Wembanyama said. “Everyone is buying in, everyone’s locked in defensively and offensively. We trust each other, and that’s really paying off right now.”
He added that his personal focus heading into each game centers on maintaining composure and consistency. “Just to stay focused, trust each other, and play our game,” he said. “We don’t want to get too high on wins or too low on losses. Keep the same mentality every night.”
San Antonio’s defensive foundation has been the bedrock of its success. The Spurs have held opponents to limited interior scoring thanks to Wembanyama’s rim protection and switchability, which have discouraged even the league’s best drivers from challenging him. The 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year said defense remains at the core of everything the team does.
“It’s huge,” Wembanyama said. “I take a lot of pride in protecting the rim and switching on the perimeter. For us, it’s about setting the tone early. Coach is always telling us defense wins games, and we’re seeing it right now.”
VICTOR WEMBANYAMA IS UNREAL
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 26, 2025
WHAT IS THIS?!? 🔥🔥🔥🔥
pic.twitter.com/FrkOxqPRwe
Interim head coach Mitch Johnson noted that Wembanyama’s defensive impact extends far beyond blocks and rebounds. He explained that even when the stat sheet doesn’t show it, the 7-foot-4 star’s presence changes how opponents approach each possession.
“It felt like he had one of his best defensive games,” Johnson said. “Teams are literally just driving in there and not even shooting. He definitely affects the game without having to block shots.
Veteran Presence Keeping Spurs Grounded
While the Spurs’ young core continues to find its rhythm, veteran forward Harrison Barnes has provided balance and leadership. Barnes, who joined San Antonio during the offseason, said that maintaining perspective amid the early success is just as important as celebrating it.
“It’s all perspective,” Barnes said. “There’s definitely a balance, but I think a lot of the issues and things we’ve talked about in these games can be minimized just because you win. Over the course of the season, focusing on those details — I think guys are seeing that and hearing that message.”
Barnes also praised the team’s chemistry and willingness to embrace different roles on any given night. “Every single night, there’s plenty of offense to go around,” he said. “But defensively, how can we do that every single night and cheer for each other’s success? We’re going to need different guys at different times to step up.”
As San Antonio continues to navigate its early momentum, Wembanyama said the team’s preparation and trust are what fuel his confidence in key moments.
“It’s all preparation,” he said. “I trust the work I’ve put in with my teammates and coaches. When it gets tight, you have to trust yourself and not hesitate.”
NBA Players of the Week for Week 1.
— NBA (@NBA) October 27, 2025
West: Victor Wembanyama (@spurs)
East: Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Bucks) pic.twitter.com/fZc7ZHTvGD
The team’s ability to respond to adversity has been equally impressive. After blowing a double-digit lead in Brooklyn earlier in the week, the Spurs refocused and executed late against Toronto, showing the maturity of a group learning how to close out games.
“The energy is different,” Barnes said. “There’s a lot of trust to go around. The vibes are high in the locker room, and everyone’s excited to build off what we’ve started.”
The NBA officially recognized the Spurs’ strong start on Monday, naming Wembanyama the Western Conference Player of the Week for his two-way dominance. In the Eastern Conference, Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks earned the same honor after averaging 36.0 points, 16.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists.
For San Antonio, Wembanyama’s rapid ascent — and the team’s composure behind him — has put the league on notice. The Spurs may still be a developing group, but their opening statement is clear: the future has arrived in San Antonio.
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