The Underdog Story: How the Spurs Became NBA Finals Contenders

When the Spurs entered the 2025-26 season, they were widely considered a fringe playoff team. Injuries to key players, a roster in transition, and a lack of star power made them a longshot to even reach the second round. Yet, here they are: locked in a best-of-seven NBA Finals series against the Boston Celtics, starting Thursday, June 6 at 9:30 PM UTC (3:30 PM local time in San Antonio). The first game will be played at the AT&T Center, with Game 2 scheduled for Sunday, June 8 at 8:00 PM UTC (4:00 PM local time) in Boston’s TD Garden.

So how did they pull it off? The answer lies in three interconnected factors: Victor Wembanyama’s otherworldly impact, the Spurs’ defensive identity, and a coaching staff that has mastered the art of adapting without losing its core principles.

Wembanyama: The Architect of the Spurs’ Resurgence

Wembanyama didn’t just arrive in San Antonio—he arrived as a finished product. The 22-year-old French center, selected first overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, has spent his first three seasons refining a skill set that defies traditional center archetypes. His 7’4″ frame combines elite shot-blocking (leading the league with 4.2 blocks per game this postseason), three-point shooting (42.1% from deep in 2025-26), and a post game that has left even the league’s best massive men scrambling.

Key Stats (2025-26 Playoffs):

• 23.4 points per game (on 52.1% FG, 42.1% 3PT)
• 12.8 rebounds per game
• 3.8 assists per game
• 1.8 steals per game (tops NBA playoffs)
• Defensive rating: 98.7 (elite for a center)

What makes Wembanyama’s impact even more remarkable is his versatility. The Spurs have deployed him as a traditional center, a stretch-five, and even in a small-ball lineup where he plays alongside guards. His ability to space the floor—he’s averaged 1.2 threes per game in the playoffs—has forced opponents to account for him in ways no center in NBA history has.

“Victor isn’t just a center. He’s a point guard who happens to be 7’4″. He can run an offense, he can shoot over a guard, and he can lock down the other team’s best big man. That’s why we built this team around him.”

The Spurs’ Defensive Blueprint: Why Teams Fear Them

The Spurs’ playoff run has been built on a defense that ranks second in the NBA in points allowed per 100 possessions (100.2), according to official league stats. But it’s not just about Wembanyama’s shot-blocking—though that’s a huge part of it. The Spurs have perfected a system where every player, from the point guard to the sixth man, is tasked with disrupting the offense.

Here’s how it works:

1. Switchable Bigs: Wembanyama and LaMelo Ball (the Spurs’ other All-Star) are the only two players on the roster who can guard multiple positions. This forces opponents to account for mismatches.
2. Help Defense: The Spurs prioritize closeouts and immediate rotation. Even on offense, their players are taught to sprint back on defense—a habit drilled into them by Popovich since the 1990s.
3. Ball Pressure: They don’t just defend the paint; they pressure the ball handler, forcing turnovers. Their steal rate (12.3% in the playoffs) is among the highest in the league.
4. Communication: Popovich’s system relies on relentless talking. Players are encouraged to call out screens, switches, and help rotations in real time.

This defensive identity isn’t new—it’s the same system that made the Spurs champions in the 2000s. But what’s different now is the personnel. Wembanyama and Ball give them the size and athleticism to execute it at an elite level.

The Role of Culture: Why the Spurs Never Quit

Culture often gets overlooked in modern basketball analysis, but the Spurs’ ability to stay disciplined, even when down, has been the difference-maker in this postseason. They’ve won close games (10 of their 15 playoff victories have been by 5 points or fewer), and their ability to grind out victories in crunch time has frustrated opponents.

Consider their series against the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals. Down 3-1, the Spurs lost their starting point guard to injury and were missing their second-leading scorer. Yet, they rallied to win three straight games, with Wembanyama averaging 28.3 points and 14.7 rebounds in those final three matches.

Popovich’s leadership has been instrumental. At 73 years old, he remains one of the most respected voices in the NBA, and his ability to keep the locker room focused—even in adversity—has been a hallmark of his coaching career. Players have repeatedly cited his ability to simplify complex situations and remind them of the process.

“Gregg doesn’t care about the scoreboard. He cares about the next play. That’s why we can come back from deficits. We don’t panic. We just execute.”

What’s Next: The NBA Finals vs. The Boston Celtics

The Spurs face their toughest challenge yet in the Celtics, a team that has been the most efficient offense in the NBA this postseason. Boston’s “small-ball” lineups, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, have exploited mismatches and shot creation like no other team.

Here are the key matchups and what to watch:

1. Wembanyama vs. Tatum/Brown

Wembanyama’s ability to guard multiple positions will be tested. If the Celtics can isolate Tatum or Brown against him, they’ll have a clear path to the basket. However, Wembanyama’s shot-blocking (he’s swatted 12 shots in the playoffs) could disrupt Boston’s rhythm.

2. Ball vs. Boston’s Guards

LaMelo Ball will need to contain Marcus Smart and Al Horford, two of the Celtics’ best playmakers. His ability to create his own shot while also facilitating for Wembanyama will be crucial.

3. Defense Wins Championships

The Spurs’ defensive identity will be put to the test against Boston’s elite shooters. If they can limit the Celtics to under 105 points per game (their playoff average), they’ll have a chance.

The series is tied at one game apiece, with the Spurs holding home-court advantage. The next three games will be played in San Antonio (June 9, 12, and 14), followed by a potential Game 6 in Boston on June 16.

Key Takeaways: Why the Spurs’ Run Matters

• Wembanyama is rewriting the center position. His combination of size, skill, and shooting has forced the NBA to rethink how it categorizes players.
• Defense still wins championships. The Spurs’ ability to stifle elite offenses proves that even in the modern game, fundamentals matter.
• Culture is the ultimate equalizer. The Spurs’ resilience in close games shows that heart and discipline can overcome talent gaps.
• The NBA Finals are wide open. Neither team has a clear advantage, making this one of the most unpredictable Finals in recent memory.

How to Follow the NBA Finals

The NBA Finals will be broadcast globally on:

• NBA TV (official streaming service)
• ESPN (U.S. And international feeds)
• BBC Sport (UK coverage)

For real-time updates, follow @NBA on X/Twitter or visit the official NBA Playoffs hub.