Who’s got two thumbs and is using one of them to thumb through the standings to see the San Antonio Spurs atop the conference (nay, the league) alongside the defending champion Oklahoma Thunder? Sure,
it’s only four games, but if you revel in taking joy from a man who doesn’t know what 67 or means, then by all means, rain on my parade.
The Spurs had their own parade, running a fine-tuned offensive onslaught led by Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, who had 24 and 22, respectively. Harrison Barnes logged the most minutes and poured in 18 points on 6 – 7 shooting, going 4 – 5 from downtown.
I only have one word to describe this sequence: spatial awareness. Wembanyama seemingly knows both where to go and where his defender(s) will go, creating space on his own to attack the basket. The great Sean Elliott mentioned Wembanyama taking zero threes in this game, making a point of attacking the basket at every chance. He also only took 8 shots, getting his teammates involved or letting them take charge.
WELCOME TO THE NBA CARTER BRYANT! The talented rookie sent this shot all the way to La Villita and made the most of his increased minutes, scoring his first NBA points and playing tough defense. The Spurs have an embarrassment of riches with Bryant and fellow rookie Dylan Harper afforded the chance to work on their craft behind “wily veterans” like Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, and Keldon Johnson.
It’s worth noting that on a more veteran (or solidly contending team) squad, rookies like Carter Bryant would see more time in the G League. While that might still be a possibility, this Spurs team seems intent on letting the young players play real NBA minutes in a baptism by fire.
Speaking of rookies, how fun has it been watching Dylan Harper play? He has a mature game for a rookie, which reminds me of certain other Spurs rookies in recent memory who also had NBA-ready games early in their careers. Their names escape me. Rhymes with Frank Castle and Johnny Drama, but I can’t be sure.
I, along with billions of other Spurs fans, am starting a petition to allow
Poetry in motion.
Sometimes I think Wembanyama tires of the emphasis on his height (I don’t blame him), and he’s said as much. It only makes sense that he is going out of his way to show off his pure basketball skills that are not height-exclusive, such as this behind-the-back-cross-over move.
I’m here for the soccer chants, but I’m staying for the Stephon Castle highlights.
Do you think Wembanyama practices this move at home? I bet he does. He probably runs it back multiple times in between chess moves and tag team bear wrestling with Kevin Garnett.
If you were too busy going to bed early so you can wake up early to catch the end of the World Series, here are the full-game highlights:
Next up, the Spurs host the Miami Heat on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
