Most NBA insiders initially projected Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs to win around 42 to 44 games this season. In the unforgiving Western Conference, such a record typically meant fighting for a play-in tournament spot rather than a comfortable playoff berth.
However, just a week into the season, analyst Zach Lowe highlighted how experts might have underrated Wemby and the Spurs. On his podcast this Monday, Lowe shared his perspective with fellow analyst Kirk Goldsberry, saying:
“Every other team—from Golden State down to the Lakers and 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 many analysts before the season, Lowe had initially predicted the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets to battle for the top seed in the Western Conference. The Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and LA Clippers were viewed as favorites to earn outright playoff spots, while the Lakers, Mavericks, Grizzlies, Pelicans, and Spurs were expected to slug it out for play-in tournament positions.
### A Blistering Start for Wembanyama and the Spurs
San Antonio’s projection began to improve dramatically following Victor Wembanyama’s electric start to the season. The Spurs are off to a perfect 4-0 record, fueled by the French phenom’s spectacular 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, Wembanyama has been so “goddamn good” that he effectively covers many of the Spurs’ usual loopholes, elevating the entire team’s performance.
### Spurs Sit Atop the Western Conference
The Spurs remained unbeaten after a dominant 121-103 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Monday. Wembanyama contributed 24 points, 15 rebounds, and four assists, pushing San Antonio to their fourth consecutive win.
With this start, San Antonio now sits at the top of the Western Conference with a flawless 4-0 record. Right behind them, the Oklahoma City Thunder hold second place with a 3-0 mark, engaged in a seesaw battle with the Dallas Mavericks.
Rounding out the top six are the Golden State Warriors, LA Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, and LA Clippers, all holding identical 2-1 records. On the other hand, the Houston Rockets have struggled early with their jumbo roster, sitting at 1-2—the second-worst record in the conference so far.
### Looking Ahead
While the season is still young and anything can happen, Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs look poised to challenge for at least a guaranteed playoff spot in 2026. Their hot start and Wembanyama’s unique talent have already shifted expectations and added excitement for Spurs fans and NBA watchers alike.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-absolutely-crapping-pants-zach-lowe-sees-warriors-lakers-growing-uneasy-amid-victor-wembanyama-s-spurs-steep-ascension