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 underestimated Wembanyama and the Spurs. On his podcast 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 many 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 expected to earn outright playoff spots. Meanwhile, the Lakers, Mavericks, Grizzlies, Pelicans, and Spurs were anticipated to slug it out for play-in tournament positions.
The outlook for the Spurs improved dramatically following Victor Wembanyama’s blistering start to the season. San Antonio has kicked off campaign with a perfect 4-0 record, powered by the French phenom’s stunning performances. 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 he covers many of the Spurs’ weaknesses and loopholes, making the team much more formidable.
### Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs Sit Atop the Western Conference
The San Antonio Spurs remained unbeaten on Monday after dominating the Toronto Raptors 121-103. Victor Wembanyama contributed 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 assists, pushing the Spurs to their fourth straight win.
With a 4-0 record, San Antonio now sits atop the Western Conference standings. The Oklahoma City Thunder, locked in a seesaw battle with the Dallas Mavericks, hold second place with a 3-0 mark. Right behind them, the Golden State Warriors, LA Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, and LA Clippers round out the top six with identical 2-1 records.
One of the most surprising developments early in the season has been the Houston Rockets’ struggles with their jumbo roster, currently sitting at 1-2—the second-worst record in the conference.
Although the season is still in its infancy and much can change, Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs look poised to challenge strongly 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