The San Antonio Spurs opened their 2026-27 campaign with a focused Media Day, channeling the pain of last season's Finals loss into motivation for the year ahead. The team enters this period with significant momentum, having closed the previous season on a five-game winning run, including a 127-113 victory over the Golden State Warriors on April 2, 2026. Head coach Mitch Johnson and his players addressed the new reality of carrying the NBA's target after their deep playoff run.
Coach Mitch Johnson, now in his third year, spoke directly about the pressure. "I understand that’s what comes with the field we’re in," Johnson said. "I’ll take the high expectations." His team has earned that target, finishing last season with a perfect 5-0 record in their final games. Victories over the Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers, and Phoenix Suns demonstrated their dominant form.
Victor Wembanyama enters the season as a leading MVP candidate. His playoff intensity last year even cast him in a villain role for some opponents, a label he sees as a sign of respect. The young star is using the Finals defeat as his primary fuel. He admitted the losses kept him up at night but has accepted it as part of his growth curve.
The sting of falling short is a universal motivator in the locker room. De'Aaron Fox addressed playing through a bad ankle in the championship series, acknowledging the mental hurdle of moving past that disappointment. A specific focus for Wembanyama has been improving his stamina, an area he identified as a weakness during the long Finals battles. He reported significant progress that has surprised even him.
This collective drive points to a team obsessed with redemption. Wembanyama summed it up plainly, stating he couldn't imagine a better motivation than losing.
The main offseason addition is veteran forward Tobias Harris. After 15 NBA seasons, Harris expressed his long-standing admiration for the Spurs organization. He has already built a strong rapport with Wembanyama through summer workouts, offering high praise for the franchise cornerstone. Harris emphasized his willingness to accept any role, with winning as his only objective.
Staff changes also shape the new season. Billy Donovan joins as a new assistant coach, bringing a wealth of experience. His son, Billy Donovan III, returns to the organization in a player development role, having previously been an assistant with the Austin Spurs.
Coach Johnson directly addressed the questions surrounding his dynamic guard trio of De'Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, and Stephon Castle. He confirmed the plan is to use a platoon system, leveraging the unique strengths of each player. This depth is a luxury, with Johnson noting the team has more than five players capable of starting for any NBA team. Balancing that talent while maintaining chemistry will be a primary challenge as they build on their 127-114 win over Chicago and other strong performances. Fans can track the evolving rotation and upcoming schedule on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
The overall vibe in San Antonio is one of unfinished business. With a core that has tasted the Finals, a motivated superstar in Wembanyama, and strategic additions, the Spurs are not shying away from the spotlight. Their recent form proves they can dominate, and now the goal is to sustain it for a full championship run.
