Patryk Stachowiak
Spurs Surge in the West
The San Antonio Spurs 39-16 sit second in the Western Conference. Eight wins in their last ten games vaulted them past the Denver Nuggets and narrowed the gap on the Oklahoma City Thunder, the defending champions.
Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle have led the charge, but the playoffs loom as an unknown. Neither has postseason experience.
De’Aaron Fox, a two-time All-Star, is the only Spurs starter who’s been there. His 2023 run with the Sacramento Kings remains his only playoff appearance. Alongside Luke Kornet and Harrison Barnes, he brings veteran presence to a young locker room.
“It will definitely be a major adjustment, physically and especially mentally, but I’m sure we’ll do very well. Even if they say otherwise, games are officiated a little differently, especially as you get closer to the playoffs. We’ll have to adjust.”
Fox didn’t stop there. He stressed the jump in intensity and the shift in officiating standards. The Spurs, despite losing Gregg Popovich, have kept their identity fast, physical, relentless.
“I think our coaching staff has put us in the ideal position not to let that affect the way we play. We want to be a physical team and keep playing fast, competing until the final buzzer.”
The Thunder proved last season that youth can thrive in the playoffs. San Antonio aims to follow that blueprint.