Wembanyama Dominates as Spurs Make Franchise History with 5-0 Start
Victor Wembanyama powered the San Antonio Spurs to their first-ever 5-0 start, posting a dominant all-around performance in a 107–101 win over the Miami Heat.
- Glenn Catubig
- 4 min read
The San Antonio Spurs reached a new benchmark in franchise history Thursday night, improving to 5–0 for the first time in their 50-year NBA tenure. The victory came behind another masterclass from Victor Wembanyama, who delivered 26 points, 18 rebounds, six assists, and five blocks in a 107–101 triumph over the Miami Heat at Frost Bank Center.
“It feels great,” Wembanyama said after the win. “It’s not random. We didn’t get those five wins randomly. We worked for it.” The 21-year-old star, now in his second NBA season, has quickly turned early-season dominance into a nightly routine — one that is driving San Antonio’s best start in team history.
The matchup tested San Antonio’s resolve. Miami, entering the game with the league’s top-ranked offense at 131.5 points per game, was held to a season-low total as the Spurs’ defense clamped down. Even as the Heat erased a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit with a 17–1 run led by Bam Adebayo’s 31 points, San Antonio refused to fold.
Wembanyama’s late defensive heroics sealed the win. He recorded three of his five blocks in the final period, including a dramatic rejection in the closing seconds that sent him sprawling to the court before flexing to the roaring crowd of 18,702 fans. “That was the exclamation point,” he said. “It feels good to have that relief — to live that moment with these people.”
1. Spurs Overcome Heat’s Rally with Balanced Play
While Wembanyama’s star power dominated the box score, San Antonio’s supporting cast was equally vital. Sophomore guard Stephon Castle, the reigning Rookie of the Year, contributed 21 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and four steals in another poised performance. Devin Vassell added 17 points and nine boards, including two crucial three-pointers late in the fourth quarter to halt Miami’s comeback bid. “Honestly, tired of losing,” Vassell said, reflecting on the team’s transformation. “I’ve been here for a long time and seen this happen many times — teams go on runs, and we let go of the little things. Tonight, we didn’t. The small details helped us win.” That newfound discipline has defined the Spurs’ early season. Outside of their 33-point blowout win over Dallas in the opener, each of San Antonio’s victories has required late-game execution and resilience. Thursday’s win over Miami was no different, as the Spurs weathered fatigue and pressure to finish strong. “When we play against Miami, it’s always going to be a grind,” Castle said. “We had a big lead, they came back, and we still found a way. That’s what great teams do.”
2. Wembanyama’s Growth and the Spurs’ New Identity
Thursday’s game was not just another statistical showcase for Wembanyama — it was proof of his growing maturity. His performance marked his third career outing with at least 25 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and five blocks, a feat only Spurs legends David Robinson (eight) and Tim Duncan (six) have surpassed. According to ESPN Research, Wembanyama is just the second player in NBA history — joining Bob McAdoo in 1975 — to average at least 30 points, 14 rebounds, and four blocks through his team’s first five games since blocks became an official stat in 1973–74. His numbers through five contests (30.2 PPG, 14.6 RPG, 4.8 BPG) have positioned him as an early-season MVP frontrunner. Head coach Mitch Johnson praised Wembanyama’s endurance and impact, particularly on the defensive end. “The game didn’t stop,” Johnson said. “It was physical on both sides, and he played through it all. For him to go nearly 40 minutes at that level of consistency and efficiency — that’s special.” Even with the franchise milestone secured, Wembanyama emphasized that the work is far from done. “We started this season strong, but we have to keep that streak going,” he said. “We’re building something here.”
3. Spurs Embrace Their Moment as Contenders
For a young San Antonio squad that endured years of rebuilding, the 5–0 start represents more than a hot streak — it’s a statement. The Spurs have rediscovered their trademark defensive grit, balanced by the offensive creativity of their emerging stars. Wembanyama’s presence has accelerated that evolution, giving the team a generational anchor capable of changing the course of games on both ends of the floor. Castle’s steady playmaking and Vassell’s leadership have complemented the French phenom’s brilliance, giving San Antonio a foundation that mirrors the team-first ethos of its championship years. The Spurs’ early-season schedule may not have been the toughest, but Thursday’s win over a physical, veteran Miami team validated their legitimacy. Against the most potent offense they’ve faced, San Antonio responded with defensive poise and late-game execution — the hallmarks of a team learning how to win together. As Frost Bank Center erupted in chants of “Go Spurs Go” following Wembanyama’s emphatic block, it felt like more than a single win — it felt like the start of something larger in San Antonio’s new era.