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, just a week into the games, analyst Zach Lowe highlighted how experts might have underrated Wemby and the Spurs.
On his podcast on Monday, Lowe shared his thoughts with fellow analyst Kirk Goldsberry about 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 had 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 considered favorites to earn outright playoff spots. Meanwhile, the Lakers, Mavericks, Grizzlies, Pelicans, and Spurs were expected to slug it out for the play-in tournament spots.
The projection around the Spurs significantly improved following Victor Wembanyama’s blistering start to the season. San Antonio is off to a perfect 4-0 start, fueled by the French phenom’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 effectively covers many of the Spurs’ weaknesses and loopholes.
### Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs Sit Atop the Western Conference
The San Antonio Spurs remained unbeaten on Monday after a convincing 121-103 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Wembanyama contributed 24 points, 15 rebounds, and four assists, pushing the Spurs to their fourth straight win.
With a flawless 4-0 record, San Antonio now sits atop the Western Conference standings. The Oklahoma City Thunder, engaged in a seesaw battle with the Dallas Mavericks, hold second place with a 3-0 mark. The Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, and LA Clippers round out the top six, each sporting identical 2-1 records.
One of the most surprising developments early in the season has been the Houston Rockets’ initial struggles with their jumbo roster. They currently own a 1-2 record, which is the second-worst in the conference.
While the season is still in its early stages and anything can happen, Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs look poised to challenge for at least a guaranteed spot in the 2026 playoffs. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if San Antonio can continue this promising run.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-absolutely-crapping-pants-zach-lowe-sees-warriors-lakers-growing-uneasy-amid-victor-wembanyama-s-spurs-steep-ascension