Spurs - Raptors Round One

As someone who has lived in Toronto for years but bled Silver & Black for four decades, Monday night’s game at Frost Bank Center was more than just another regular-season matchup. It was a collision of my hometown team and my lifelong passion, and the result was a statement win for the San Antonio Spurs: 121-103 over the Toronto Raptors.

Setting the Stage

The Spurs entered this game riding a perfect start to the season, and they didn’t disappoint. From the opening tip, San Antonio looked locked in, racing to a 41-29 first-quarter lead and never letting Toronto sniff the driver’s seat. For context, this marks the Spurs’ first 4-0 start since 2017—a sign that this young squad is ready to write its own chapter in franchise history.

Toronto, meanwhile, is in the midst of a rebuild. They’ve got intriguing pieces, but Monday was a reminder that they’re still searching for consistency. RJ Barrett led the Raptors with 25 points, but the night belonged to San Antonio’s towering phenom, Victor Wembanyama.

Wemby’s MVP-Level Dominance

If you’re wondering whether the early MVP chatter around Wemby is justified, look no further than this game. He finished with 24 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, and a block, shooting 7-of-8 from the field and a perfect 10-for-10 from the line. Efficiency? Check. Impact? Off the charts. His highlight reel included a jaw-dropping 360-degree spin move past Scottie Barnes for a layup that had the Frost Bank Center buzzing.

And it’s not just this game. Through four contests, Wembanyama is averaging 31 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 4.8 blocks per game, numbers that scream MVP. Oddsmakers have already vaulted him near the top of the race, and analysts are calling him a generational force who could sweep MVP and Defensive Player of the Year if he keeps this up.

After the game, Wemby kept it simple but powerful:

“Spurs have never went 5-0? … Let’s beat that record.”

That’s the mentality of a superstar who isn’t satisfied with highlights—he wants history.

Supporting Cast Steps Up

While Wemby was the headliner, this was a team win. Stephon Castle poured in 22 points with five rebounds and four assists, continuing to show why he was last year’s Rookie of the Year.

Harrison Barnes added 18 points on 4-of-5 shooting from deep, and Devin Vassell chipped in 15. Six Spurs scored in double figures, a testament to the depth and balance that coach Mitch Johnson emphasized postgame:

“Our half-court defense was pretty dang good all night. To hold that team to 103 and keep them out of transition off the boards is a pretty strong performance from that group.”

The Raptors’ Bright Spot: Collin Murray-Boyles

Toronto fans didn’t leave empty-handed. Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, the ninth pick in the 2025 draft, had his breakout game: 19 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, and a block in just 24 minutes. He shot 7-of-13 from the field and 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, flashing the versatility that drew Julius Randle comparisons before the draft. Raptors coach Darko Rajaković praised his effort:

“He was not just guarding Wembanyama; he was guarding multiple players. He did a really good job creating deflections and steals. Offensively, he was finding a flow in the game.”

For a team that’s building for the future, Murray-Boyles’ performance was a silver lining.

Why This Win Matters

For Spurs fans—especially those of us cheering from afar in Toronto—this game was validation. The rebuild is over. The Spurs aren’t just competitive; they’re climbing back toward contender status. Wembanyama’s dominance, Castle’s growth, and Harper’s steady contributions off the bench signal a team that’s deeper than the headlines suggest.

And let’s be real: when your franchise cornerstone is casually breaking Patrick Ewing’s block streak record while flirting with MVP numbers, you know you’re witnessing something special.

Looking Ahead

San Antonio now turns its attention to the Miami Heat on Thursday, aiming for a historic 5-0 start. Toronto heads home to face Houston, hoping to snap a three-game skid. For me? I’ll be watching both, but my heart will stay in San Antonio—even if my postal code says otherwise.