The San Antonio Spurs are learning to handle championship-level expectations after falling 90-94 to the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals on June 14, 2026.
Can the Spurs improve on their 62-20 record?
According to the latest SB Nation Reacts survey, just over half of Spurs fans believe the team can better their 62-20 record from the 2025-26 season. That's a tough ask. Every opponent will give their best effort against the young, shiny Spurs. Fewer teams are tanking now due to rule changes, meaning San Antonio will face more motivated competition night after night. You can track their progress in the league standings.
Victor Wembanyama will be a major target. He drew criticism for overaggressive play in the playoffs last season. Opponents will try to get under his skin to limit his two-way impact. It'll require significant maturity from him and the entire roster to handle that targeted onslaught.
How will new additions help the team?
The front office brought in reinforcements to help stay level-headed. Tobias Harris is one of the league's most respected veterans. While Harris hasn't won many playoff series, he's consistently been on winning teams. Players like him raise a team's floor during the dog days of the regular season, which can improve the overall win total.
San Antonio's depth is now a major strength. Adding Tarris Reed Jr. gives them the third big man they desperately needed last year. The roster is loaded with wings and guards who can step up if injuries hit or players need rest. That depth is a key factor in trying to match 62 wins again.
What are the external expectations for San Antonio?
Even without beating their 2025-26 record, San Antonio remains a top contender. The pressure is firmly in championship-or-bust mode for a roster filled with players barely old enough to order a drink.
History shows managing a sudden rise is hard. Look at Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook's Oklahoma City Thunder. They lost the 2012 Finals and disbanded four years later. Keeping a linear trajectory to a championship and then a dynasty is incredibly rare. The Spurs' young core, led by Wembanyama, must navigate this new reality. Their upcoming schedule will test their resilience immediately.
