The San Antonio Spurs, a team that finished 13th in the Western Conference last season, have surged to the conference’s second seed and welcome the sudden spotlight, sixth man Keldon Johnson said this week.
“Nobody will tell you that the expectations were to be the No. 2 seed,” Johnson told Don Harris of News4SA. “But we’re thriving and surviving. That is the name of the game in the NBA—stay healthy, stay together, and continue to play for each other.”
The rapid ascent follows an offseason focused on player development rather than playoff positioning. Rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama has dominated headlines, yet San Antonio’s rise has relied on collective buy-in, expanded depth, and veterans adapting to new roles. Johnson, the longest-tenured Spur, has transitioned into a key reserve, providing stability for a roster now tested by meaningful, pressure-filled games.
Head coach Mitch Johnson has emphasized that elevated expectations should serve as motivation, not a burden. With the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder holding the conference’s top record, the Spurs understand opponents are no longer surprised by their presence near the standings’ summit.
For a franchise renowned for patience and culture, the challenge of maintaining success while under the league’s microscope represents a welcome next step in its rebuilding timeline.
Source: Hoops Wire
