Can the Spurs' wing shooters maintain elite performance under playoff pressure? Their hot streak suggests they might be the missing championship piece.
The San Antonio Spurs have now moved into the stage where they are most likely going to be a contender for years to come. So any questions they need to answer are not big-picture.
But in a recent article by Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley, he comes up with a question that every NBA team needs to address. For the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, he thinks they need to ask themselves if their shooters on the wings are ready for the pressure of the playoffs.
Needless to say, there’s little to no doubt about the foundation of the team.
Victor Wembanyama has rapidly developed into an MVP-level talent, impacting the game on both ends in ways few players can. Alongside him, De’Aaron Fox provides leadership and offensive control, while Stephon Castle continues to rise after an impressive Rookie of the Year campaign. Add in Dylan Harper’s strong early production, and San Antonio suddenly boasts one of the most exciting young backcourts in the league.
Because of that strength, the Spurs aren’t searching for stars anymore—they’re evaluating the pieces around them.
That brings the spotlight directly onto the wings. Players like Devin Vassell and Julian Champagnie aren’t just complementary options; they could be the swing factor between being a good team and a true contender. In today’s NBA, spacing and shooting are essential, especially when built around a dominant interior presence like Wembanyama.
Recently, both Vassell and Champagnie have stepped up in a major way. Since the All-Star break, they’ve been knocking down shots at an elite rate, each hitting better than 46 percent from three-point range. That efficiency has played a huge role in the Spurs’ recent surge, as the team has gone 23-2 over their last 25 games, and have won their last seven.
When those outside shots are falling, San Antonio becomes incredibly tough to stop. Defenses are already under pressure trying to handle Wembanyama’s versatility and the playmaking of the guards. Reliable shooting on the wings stretches opponents even thinner, often leaving them with no good options.
Still, the biggest question remains: can this level of performance last?
To which I would say, absolutely.
If they can, San Antonio may already have the full package. The stars are in place, the system is forming, and the results are starting to follow.