Learning to Win, Part II

The San Antonio Spurs are 3-0. But if you watched Sunday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets, you know this wasn’t a cruise-control kind of win. It was a lesson in resilience, composure, and the kind of growth that defines young teams learning how to win.

After building a commanding 26-point lead midway through the third quarter, the Spurs looked poised to run away with their home opener. But Brooklyn had other plans. Led by Cam Thomas’ explosive 40-point night and a barrage of 16 made threes, the Nets stormed back, even taking a brief lead early in the fourth. It was a gut-check moment for San Antonio.

And they passed.

Wemby’s Dominance Continues

Victor Wembanyama continues to look like a generational force. He finished with 31 points, 14 rebounds, 6 blocks, 4 assists, and 3 steals, and became the first player in NBA history to record 100+ points and 15+ blocks in the first three games of a season. His presence on both ends of the floor is undeniable. Whether it’s a momentum-shifting dunk or a clutch block, Wemby is the anchor of this team’s identity.

Dylan Harper: Rookie Making Noise

But Sunday wasn’t just about Wemby. Rookie Dylan Harper had his breakout moment, posting 20 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals on 8-of-11 shooting with a +33 plus-minus. His poise, decision-making, and ability to change the pace of the game were crucial in the fourth quarter when the Spurs needed someone to settle things down.

After the game, Harper reflected on his approach:

“I was out there playing my game. I think a big thing for me and my development was, how do I handle pressure from college and now,” Harper said. “And I think I've done a good job of just reading the game.” [bleacherreport.com]

He also added:

“It is just basketball at this point. Just going out there, playing my game, trusting my ability and being someone where I can do whatever the team needs me to do.” [nba.com]

Harper’s start to the season has been quietly impressive. He’s now outperformed Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, in two of their first three games. Flagg had a solid 22-point outing against Toronto on Sunday, but Harper’s impact—especially in clutch moments—has arguably been more significant.

So here’s the question: Is the Rookie of the Year race closer than we thought? Flagg may have the hype, but Harper has the fit, the minutes, and the momentum.

A Quiet Tribute to a Legend

Before tipoff, the Spurs quietly raised a new banner in the Frost Bank Center rafters to honor Gregg Popovich, the winningest coach in NBA history. The banner simply read “POP 1,390”, marking his record number of regular-season victories, all with San Antonio. Five gold stars represented his five championships, and the words “Hall of Fame” acknowledged his 2023 induction.

True to Pop’s style, there was no ceremony, no announcement, no spotlight—just a quiet moment of respect. As fans filtered in, many noticed the new addition hanging beside the jerseys of Duncan, Ginóbili, Parker, and Robinson. It was understated, powerful, and perfectly Popovich.

Toronto Up Next — A Personal Matchup

Next up: Spurs vs. Raptors, tonight at Frost Bank Center. For me, this one’s special. As a Spurs fan living in Toronto, the Raptors are my second-favorite team. It’s always a bit surreal when these two face off—like watching your hometown and your heart team collide.

Toronto comes in at 1-2, fresh off a high-scoring loss to Dallas. Scottie Barnes has been electric, but the Raptors have struggled defensively. Wemby and Harper will have opportunities to exploit mismatches, especially inside. And with the Spurs riding a three-game win streak, the energy should be high.

Final Thought:Sunday’s win wasn’t perfect. The third quarter was messy, and the Nets’ shooting kept things tense. But the Spurs found a way. That’s what learning to win looks like. And if Harper keeps this up, we might be learning to spell his name in Rookie of the Year ballots sooner than expected.