Most NBA insiders projected Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs to win around 42-44 games this season. In the unforgiving Western Conference, that meant fighting for a play-in tournament spot.
However, a week into the games, analyst Zach Lowe highlighted how experts might have underrated Wembanyama and the Spurs. On his podcast on Monday, Lowe told guest and fellow analyst Kirk Goldsberry what he thought of the Wembanyama-led team:
“Every other team, from Golden State down to the Lakers, Grizzlies, has got to be absolutely crapping their pants because the Spurs are coming for a top 6 seed, at least a fight for it. And the argument for that, as it was before the season, is that this dude is so goddamn good.”
Like most analysts before the season started, Lowe predicted the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets to battle for the top seed in the West. The Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and LA Clippers were favorites to earn outright playoff spots. Meanwhile, the Lakers, Mavericks, Grizzlies, Pelicans, and Spurs were expected to slug it out for play-in tournament spots.
The projection around the Spurs improved following Victor Wembanyama’s blistering start to the season. San Antonio is off to a perfect 4-0 slate, fueled by the Frenchman’s stunning play. Wembanyama is currently averaging 33.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, 6.0 blocks, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.
According to Lowe, the 7-foot-5 center has been so “goddamn good” that Wembanyama covers many of the Spurs’ weaknesses, making the team a formidable contender in the Western Conference.
### Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs Sit Atop Western Conference
The San Antonio Spurs remained unbeaten on Monday after dominating the Toronto Raptors 121-103. Victor Wembanyama’s 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 assists pushed the Spurs to their fourth straight win. With this victory, San Antonio now sits atop the Western Conference with a perfect 4-0 record.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, engaged in a seesaw battle with the Dallas Mavericks, hold second place with a 3-0 record. As of press time, the Golden State Warriors, LA Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, and LA Clippers round out the top 6, each with identical 2-1 records.
One of the most surprising developments has been the Houston Rockets’ initial struggles with their jumbo roster. They currently own a 1-2 record, ranking as the second-worst in the Western Conference.
The season is still in its early stages, so much can still change. However, Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs look ready to challenge for at least a guaranteed spot in the 2026 playoffs.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-absolutely-crapping-pants-zach-lowe-sees-warriors-lakers-growing-uneasy-amid-victor-wembanyama-s-spurs-steep-ascension