Spurs Navigate Early-Season Injuries as Key Stars Remain Sidelined

The San Antonio Spurs entered the first month of the season already battling adversity, losing De’Aaron Fox for the opening stretch and later watching both Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle head to the sidelines. With Dylan Harper also missing significant time in November, the roster has been tested earlier than anticipated.

Despite those setbacks, the organization has expressed optimism about the progress of its young stars. Head coach Mitch Johnson noted that both Wembanyama and Castle have been active in on-court work, though he stopped short of offering a specific timetable for their return.

As the Spurs continue navigating these absences, the coaching staff has leaned heavily on adaptability, emphasizing incremental progress and the day-to-day nature of rehabilitation. The team remains hopeful that its core contributors will ramp up activity in the coming days.

Until then, San Antonio has relied on a combination of veteran steadiness and surprising performances from depth players, keeping the Spurs competitive in the Western Conference during a challenging stretch.

1. Fox’s Leadership Keeps Spurs Afloat

De’Aaron Fox has taken on a significant scoring load since returning, delivering the kind of production the Spurs envisioned when they acquired him in February. He has topped 24 points in all but one of his six recent outings, highlighted by a 37-point showing in Portland. His performance against Golden State on November 14, followed by a strong effort versus Sacramento two nights later, set the tone for a run in which he has consistently driven the Spurs’ offense. Even in games where his scoring dips, Fox has managed to provide pace, control, and veteran stability. The numbers are reminiscent of his peak form—logging near his usual 25-plus points per game—and his presence has helped keep San Antonio’s offense functional without its young stars. For a team juggling injuries, Fox’s reliability has become essential. As Wembanyama and Castle work their way back, Fox’s continued production gives the Spurs a foundation to build on, ensuring they remain competitive despite the instability around him.

2. Emerging Contributors Seize Their Opportunities

With the rotation stretched thin, several Spurs role players have stepped into expanded responsibilities. One bright spot came when David Jones Garcia posted 12 points, six assists, and five rebounds in a win over Atlanta—an impressive showing for a 24-year-old journeyman who flashed his potential during Summer League. Julian Champagnie has also made a meaningful impact. His 25-point performance in Denver helped San Antonio clinch its NBA Cup group, demonstrating an ability to provide timely scoring when needed. His season average remains modest, but his contributions have been critical in key moments. Veterans Harrison Barnes and Keldon Johnson have delivered steady scoring throughout this stretch, offering much-needed experience and shot creation. Their consistency has stabilized lineups that otherwise lack the team’s primary offensive engines. Collectively, these efforts have allowed San Antonio to compensate for the absences of its marquee players, establishing depth that could benefit the team long after the roster returns to full strength.

3. San Antonio’s Strong Start Despite Adversity

Even with major contributors sidelined, the Spurs have managed a 5–2 record in the games without Wembanyama and Castle. The stretch includes victories over Denver in a high-stakes Cup matchup, a surging Atlanta team, and a Memphis squad that has since found its rhythm. Their success has propelled the Spurs into the upper half of the Western Conference standings—an impressive early-season achievement given the number of lineup disruptions. The resilience reflects both the team’s depth and the adaptability of a young coaching staff. San Antonio’s quarterfinal appearance in the NBA Cup on December 10 presents another test, but their recent form suggests they can compete with playoff-caliber opponents even while short-handed. The experience could prove valuable as the season progresses. Once their full roster returns, the Spurs believe their strong early-season foundation will make them even more formidable, turning short-term setbacks into long-term gains.