San Antonio finished the regular season with 62 wins, propelled by Wembanyama’s breakout season. The 22-year-old rookie-turned-star averaged 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and a league-leading 3.1 blocks per game, and he was named a finalist for the NBA MVP award alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic.
For Game 1, the Spurs officially announced a starting lineup of De’Aaron Fox, Stefhon Castle, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, and Victor Wembanyama, a combination designed to maximize pace, spacing and size from the opening tip.
Fox provides an experienced downhill threat at the point guard spot, Castle adds athleticism and ball-handling in the backcourt, Vassell offers scoring and floor-spreading shooting, and Champagnie brings shooting and energy alongside the centerpiece Wembanyama, who anchors both ends of the floor.
Ahead of his playoff debut, Wembanyama acknowledged the moment but kept expectations grounded. “I’m as ready as you can be,” he said, adding, “This moment, it’s really what you work on all year, but also your whole career.” He also noted that, as kids, many dream of playoff basketball and that the Spurs intend to stay focused and present.
San Antonio’s return to the postseason marks a new era for a franchise that has built around Wembanyama’s unique impact. The organization has leaned into a model built on pace, spacing and length, with veterans and legends around the team to support the ascendant group as the playoffs begin. Sunday’s lineup decision signals a continued commitment to that approach as the Spurs aim to maximize their ceiling with Wembanyama leading the charge.
