Learning to Win

The San Antonio Spurs didn’t play their cleanest game Friday night in New Orleans. They turned the ball over 18 times, missed 30 three-pointers, and saw their franchise cornerstone foul out in overtime. And yet, they walked out of the Smoothie King Center with a 120–116 win over the Pelicans, improving to 2–0 on the young season.

This wasn’t a masterpiece. But it was a lesson. A lesson in grit, in growth, and in learning how to win when things aren’t perfect.

Wemby’s Quiet Dominance

Victor Wembanyama was, once again, the centerpiece of everything the Spurs did. His stat line—29 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 blocks—was nearly a triple-double, and it came in just 32 minutes before he fouled out in overtime. He was a defensive wall, swatting away Zion Williamson multiple times and altering countless other shots.

But what stood out most wasn’t just the blocks—it was his evolving shot selection. Wemby attempted only three three-pointers, missing all of them, while going 3-for-4 from the free throw line. That’s a subtle but important shift. He’s clearly making a concerted effort to shoot fewer threes and attack the rim more, using his length and agility to get high-percentage looks. It’s a sign of maturity and self-awareness in his offensive game.

After the game, Wemby reflected on the team’s resilience:

“Really enjoyed it [the win] once it was over. Pretty stressful, of course. Even though I trust them as much as they trust me, I was confident. I mean, whether I was on or off the court, they did a good job and they made it happen.”

Castle’s Clutch Gene?

With the game hanging in the balance and the Pelicans up three in the final seconds of regulation, Stephon Castle calmly stepped into a left-wing triple and buried it with 19.8 seconds left. It was the kind of shot that changes momentum, and it did just that—sending the game into overtime and giving the Spurs a second life.

Castle finished with 16 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds, but it was that shot that defined his night. For a second-year guard still finding his rhythm, it was a moment that showed poise beyond his years.

French Vanilla: A Flavorful Frontcourt

The nickname “French Vanilla”—a fan-coined moniker for the pairing of Victor Wembanyama (“French”) and Sidy Cissoko (“Vanilla”)—is starting to stick, and for good reason. The duo offers a unique blend of rim protection, rebounding, and complementary skill sets. Kornet, who had 14 points and 12 rebounds, grabbed nine offensive boards and helped the Spurs rack up 26 second-chance points

Coach Mitch Johnson praised Kornet’s steadiness:

“He was just a steady hand and a calming presence on both ends while also being impactful despite those guys making those mistakes.”

Champagnie’s Persistence Pays Off

Julian Champagnie had a rough shooting night—just 1-for-6 from three—but he kept firing. And in overtime, his persistence paid off. After Devin Vassell hit a go-ahead three, Champagnie followed with another from deep to give the Spurs a 116–110 lead. It was the dagger the Pelicans couldn’t recover from.

Champagnie’s willingness to keep shooting, even through misses, speaks to the confidence this team is building. He finished with 7 points and 8 rebounds, and his timely shot was one of the biggest of the night.

Supporting Cast Steps Up

Beyond the stars, the Spurs got meaningful contributions from several players:

• Devin Vassell had 23 points, including a clutch three in overtime.

• Dylan Harper scored 13 points, with seven coming during a pivotal 14–0 run in the fourth quarter.

• Luke Kornet, as mentioned, was a beast on the boards.

• Harrison Barnes and Keldon Johnson provided veteran stability.

This wasn’t a one-man show. It was a team effort, with different players stepping up at different moments.

Learning to Win

The Spurs didn’t dominate. They didn’t shoot well from deep (13-for-43). They turned the ball over too much. And they lost their best player in overtime. But they still won.

That’s what makes this game special. It’s easy to win when everything clicks. It’s harder—and more meaningful—to win when it doesn’t.

This young Spurs team is learning how to win ugly. How to grind. How to trust each other. And how to close games.

What’s Next: Home Opener

San Antonio returns home for their home opener on Sunday against the Brooklyn Nets. It’ll be the first chance for fans at Frost Bank Center to see Wemby, Castle, and the rest of the squad in action this season.

If Friday night was any indication, they’re in for a show. Not just of highlights, but of heart.