Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs Face Crucial Preseason Test After Ending Three-Game Losing Run

Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs have finally halted their worrying preseason slide, but the team still has work to do before the NBA regular season begins on 20 October.

After three consecutive defeats, San Antonio responded with a 123-103 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, offering head coach Mitch Johnson encouragement as he looks to sharpen his team's execution and settle his rotations.

The Spurs had previously suffered losses to the Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix and Utah Jazz, with their 119-109 defeat against the Jazz on Monday extending their losing streak to three games. However, that setback came with an important caveat: several of San Antonio's regulars were rested as the coaching staff balanced preparation with player management.

Spurs' Slow Start Raises Concerns

San Antonio opened its preseason with a 123-116 defeat to the Atlanta Hawks on 8 October before losing 102-98 to the Phoenix Suns two days later. The subsequent loss to Utah left the team winless after three exhibition games.

The defeat against Phoenix offered particular cause for concern. The Spurs fell behind by 15 points in the opening quarter and struggled to recover, despite having opportunities to close the gap later in the game. They also committed 19 turnovers, highlighting the need for greater discipline when moving the ball and organising their offence.

Johnson was unimpressed by his team's performance against Phoenix, warning that it had fallen below the required standard. He stressed the importance of transition defence, making the right passes and consistently playing to the team's intended identity.

Although preseason defeats carry no consequences in the standings, those performances underlined the work San Antonio needed to complete before its campaign began.

The Spurs responded against Phoenix on 14 October, winning 123-103 and offering a more encouraging sign of their progress.

Wembanyama Offers Encouragement Amid Concerns

Wembanyama remains central to the Spurs' hopes of building a successful season. His combination of size, defensive presence and playmaking ability gives San Antonio a unique foundation, but the team must find ways to turn those strengths into consistent results.

Against Phoenix on 10 October, the French centre recorded 13 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two blocks. His six assists demonstrated his ability to create opportunities for teammates, even as San Antonio struggled to overcome its opponents.

Second-year guard Dylan Harper also impressed, scoring 15 points against the Suns after contributing 16 in the opening defeat to Atlanta. His efficient shooting offered a positive sign as the coaching staff evaluates how best to integrate its young talent.

However, the Spurs have also had to manage several absences. De'Aaron Fox missed the opening two preseason games with hip tightness, delaying the introduction of the anticipated three-guard combination featuring Fox, Harper and Stephon Castle.

The team subsequently rested Wembanyama, Castle, Harper and Devin Vassell against Utah as part of its planned workload management.

Final Preparations Carry Added Importance

San Antonio's remaining preseason schedule provides limited time to establish its preferred combinations and address its most persistent weaknesses. The coaching staff must balance the need for competitive minutes with the priority of keeping key players healthy.

Defensive intensity, ball security, and a more composed start to games should be central priorities. The Spurs must also ensure their young players understand their responsibilities within the system before facing stronger opposition in meaningful competition.

The 20 October opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder will provide an immediate challenge. San Antonio will need to be sharper than it was during its opening preseason games, particularly against an opponent capable of exposing lapses in execution.

Three defeats were not enough to condemn the Spurs' season before it began, particularly given the planned absences against Utah. Their subsequent victory over Phoenix offered a timely boost, but the performances leading up to it exposed issues that cannot simply be ignored.

For Wembanyama and his teammates, the objective is clear: build on the latest win, rediscover their defensive identity, and enter the regular season with the cohesion required to compete at the highest level.