Popovich Honored as Spurs Ride Wembanyama to a Flawless Start
27 October 2025
Popovich Night Meets Wembanyama's Breakthrough as Spurs Forge an Early Lead
The San Antonio Spurs extended their perfect start by defeating the Brooklyn Nets 118-107 on Sunday, in a game that doubled as a tribute to hall-of-fame coach Gregg Popovich as well as a showcase for Victor Wembanyama.
Wembanyama, at 2.24 meters, unloaded 31 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals, anchoring the Spurs’ third straight win of the young season.
Through three games, the French phenom has accumulated 100 points and 18 blocks, a pace that has teammates and fans brushing aside conventional expectations and asking for seconds—before the defense has a chance to blink.
Before tip-off, San Antonio unveiled a banner honoring Popovich’s storied run, displaying 1390 career wins as well as the club’s five championships under his guidance. Wembanyama acknowledged the moment and urged the crowd to feel the energy as the Spurs made their home debut under a new banner of history.
“Nothing beats winning,” Wembanyama said, while coach Mitch Johnson credited the rookie’s performances and energy. “He’s delivering a terrific start,” Johnson added, noting that Wembanyama fed off the atmosphere and made sure the Spurs were fully present as a team.
Reserve forward Dylan Harper contributed 20 points, and Brooklyn’s Cam Thomas delivered a bright 40-point night for the visitors, with Brooklyn suffering a third straight loss.
The Spurs controlled the early rhythm, racing to strong first-half outputs and holding a valuable lead, which they maintained through the fourth despite a late surge from the Nets. In a historical moment, the scoreboard notches were overshadowed by the banner above celebrating Popovich’s outstanding career and 1390 wins, a reminder of the franchise’s legacy as five-time champions.
Wembanyama later reflected on the moment, suggesting that Pop would have appreciated the tribute and that the night underscored a sense of shared purpose among the Spurs. The win extended San Antonio’s hot start and reinforced the idea that this season’s tanking-for-hope phase could be a legitimate contender-building chapter.
Meanwhile, the league’s headlines included Miami’s continued improvement amid a federal betting-related investigation that has also touched Portland’s Chauncey Billups. Rozier and Billups were placed on administrative leave; both camps have denied wrongdoing through their attorneys. Miami beat the Knicks 115-107, with Norman Powell scoring 29 and Bam Adebayo adding 19 points and 13 rebounds to boost the Heat’s early momentum.
On the other side of the country, the Lakers pressed past the Kings 127-120 behind a massive 51-point effort from Austin Reaves, despite stars LeBron James and Luka Dončić being sidelined for various reasons. In Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell’s Cavaliers outpaced the Bucks 118-113, while Giannis Antetokounmpo poured in 40 for Milwaukee.
In Minnesota, Anthony Edwards left early with a right hamstring issue, but the Timberwolves still beat Indiana 114-110 as Julius Randle led the Wolves with 31 points, and Pascal Siakam contributed 33 for the losing side. The Celtics endured a setback in Detroit, losing 119-113 as Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren and Jayson Tatum delivered notable performances.
Two light notes to end: if Popovich ever coached your dating life, the strategy would probably be simple—play hard to score, and never forget the fundamentals. And a final sniper joke to cap the night: Wembanyama’s shot has such a tight aim that even a sniper would file it as “bullseye,” no scope needed. Punchlines aside, this season is just getting started—keep your eyes on the rim and your snacks ready.
