Spurs Spark Excitement with Hot Start and Wembanyama’s Dominance

The San Antonio Spurs have impressed early in the 2025-26 NBA season, fueled by the stellar play of Victor Wembanyama. Despite preseason expectations, the Spurs are currently leading the Southwest Division, with Wembanyama’s standout performances making the team a legitimate contender. As they prepare for their fifth game, the question remains: Is this hot start for real?

After a surprising beginning to the season, the Spurs have caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. NBA pundit Bill Simmons recently praised the team, suggesting that they’re just as strong as the Houston Rockets, despite a small sample size and a relatively soft schedule. Simmons believes that if Wembanyama stays healthy and plays between 65 to 70 games, the Spurs could be on par with the Rockets, one of the division’s expected frontrunners. While many initially saw San Antonio as a team in rebuilding mode, their early success has led some to reconsider their potential.

Through the first few games, the Spurs have exceeded expectations. They sit atop the Southwest Division, two games ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies and 2.5 games ahead of the Houston Rockets. While it’s still early, the Spurs’ performance has turned heads, and many are now watching closely as they prepare for key matchups. Their upcoming game against the Rockets on November 7, 2025, could provide further insight into whether this strong start is sustainable.

While excitement around the team continues to grow, there are still lingering doubts. Many analysts want to see Wembanyama play consistently over a longer stretch to believe the Spurs’ success isn’t just a product of a favorable schedule. However, with the 7-foot-4 phenom playing at an elite level, San Antonio may be poised to prove their doubters wrong.

1. Wembanyama’s Early-Season Excellence

Victor Wembanyama’s early performances have been nothing short of extraordinary. The young star was recently named NBA Player of the Week after posting eye-popping averages of 31 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 4.8 blocks per game. His dominance on both ends of the floor has been a key factor in the Spurs’ fast start. Wembanyama is shooting an impressive 60.3 percent from the field, demonstrating his scoring efficiency, while his shot-blocking ability continues to set him apart as one of the most feared defensive players in the league. Wembanyama’s play has not only impressed analysts but has also elevated the entire Spurs team. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways—scoring, rebounding, and protecting the rim—has helped San Antonio exceed expectations. If he continues to play at this level, the Spurs’ early-season success will be more than just a fluke. The pressure will build as the season progresses, but for now, Wembanyama’s performance is giving the Spurs momentum to keep pushing forward. San Antonio’s young star is in his third season, and with each game, he seems to refine his skills. Wembanyama’s ability to play both inside and outside, combined with his physicality, is creating a difficult matchup for opposing teams. His presence has transformed the Spurs into a team that not only has the potential to make the playoffs but one that could disrupt the established order in the Southwest Division. For Wembanyama, maintaining this level of play is crucial to solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s top talents. The next few weeks will be telling in determining if the Spurs’ strong start is sustainable, but Wembanyama’s continued dominance could be the key to their success throughout the season.

2. The Spurs’ Unexpected Division Lead

While many predicted the Spurs to be in the middle of the Southwest Division pack, they currently sit at the top, ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets. The early-season success has caught the attention of analysts, but some are still hesitant to crown San Antonio as a serious contender. The team has benefited from a favorable schedule, but with Wembanyama playing at a high level, they’ve shown they can compete with anyone. San Antonio’s leadership in the division is a testament to their well-rounded play. Beyond Wembanyama, the Spurs have gotten contributions from other players who have stepped up when needed. Whether it’s supporting scoring or defensive efforts, the team has shown they are more than just one player. As they face tougher opponents in the coming weeks, including the Rockets, it will be essential for the Spurs to maintain this balanced approach. The looming matchup against the Rockets will be a key test for San Antonio. Houston, like the Spurs, has a young, talented roster and is considered one of the top teams in the Southwest Division. The November 7 game could provide a clearer picture of where the Spurs stand in relation to their division rivals. A win could solidify their early success, while a loss might lead to questions about their consistency. While the Spurs’ early division lead is impressive, it’s important to keep in mind that the season is still young. The competition will intensify, and San Antonio will need to prove they can keep up their pace against more challenging opponents. However, for now, they are in a strong position to continue building on their momentum.

3. Simmons’ Confidence and Remaining Doubts

Bill Simmons’ praise for the Spurs has added fuel to the fire of excitement surrounding the team. On his podcast, Simmons stated that he believes the Spurs are just as talented as the Houston Rockets, largely because of Wembanyama’s exceptional play. While Simmons acknowledged that it’s a small sample size, he remains confident in the Spurs’ potential, especially if Wembanyama can stay healthy and play a full season. However, there are still doubts about the Spurs’ long-term viability. Some analysts are hesitant to fully buy into the team’s early success, pointing to the small sample size and the relatively easy schedule to start the season. To truly prove themselves as contenders, the Spurs will need to show consistency over a more extended period and against tougher competition. Simmons’ comparison between the Spurs and the Rockets highlights the potential the Spurs have, but also emphasizes the importance of Wembanyama’s health and development. If the young star can stay on the floor and continue his dominant play, San Antonio will have a real chance to compete with the best teams in the division. For now, however, it’s still unclear if their success will be sustainable over the long haul. As the season progresses, the Spurs will face more challenges, and the true test will come when they face more experienced and competitive teams. The upcoming game against the Rockets will be a pivotal moment in determining whether this early success can translate into something more substantial.