The San Antonio Spurs dropped their third consecutive preseason game, falling 119-109 to the Utah Jazz on October 12, 2026. This result follows losses to the Phoenix Suns (102-98) and Atlanta Hawks (123-116) as the team continues to search for its first win before the regular season tips off.
The Spurs faced a tough Utah squad in Salt Lake City. While preseason outcomes don't count in the standings, the game offered a final look at rotations before the real games begin. Coach Gregg Popovich likely used the contest to evaluate his roster's depth and experiment with different lineup combinations. The Jazz, preparing for their own season, presented matchup problems, particularly if star Victor Wembanyama saw the floor.
All eyes were on the team's performance after a slow start to the preseason schedule. The focus remains on player health and system implementation over the final score. Rookie Carter Bryant tweaked an ankle in the previous game against the Suns and was likely held out as a precaution. The hope is he'll be ready for the season opener on October 20.
Preseason is about process, not wins and losses. The three-game skid, including the 119-109 loss to Utah, highlights areas needing polish before the regular season. It's a time for players on the fringe of the roster, like Jon Elmore, to make their case. Elmore, 30, is chasing an NBA dream and every minute on the court is critical for him.
These games allow the coaching staff to test strategies in a low-stakes environment. How the team defends the pick and roll, shares the ball for assists, and controls the paint are all under the microscope. The physicality of the Jazz backcourt provided a specific test for San Antonio's guards. Building chemistry and avoiding major injuries are the primary goals, and the team will review the film from these contests closely.
Immediate attention turns to the Phoenix Suns. The Spurs host Phoenix at home on October 14 in their final preseason tune-up. It's one last chance to build rhythm and confidence before the games start to count.
After that, the 2026-27 NBA campaign begins in earnest. San Antonio opens the regular season at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 20. The preseason served as a valuable, if winless, warm-up. The real work of climbing the Western Conference standings and making a playoff push starts next week. The team must translate lessons from losses like the one in Utah into regular-season execution.
