Charles Barkley has declared the San Antonio Spurs the NBA’s team to beat, pointing to their 10-game winning streak and the injury-hit Oklahoma City Thunder. The Spurs’ latest win featured Victor Wembanyama’s two-way impact and a comeback from 22 points down, but November success is no guarantee of a championship.

By the Numbers
  • 10 straight wins after opening the season with 2 losses.
  • 124-119 comeback win over Chicago, erasing a 22-point deficit.
  • Wembanyama: 32 points, 9 rebounds and 5 blocks.
  • Dylan Harper: 18 points, 10 assists, 6 rebounds and 4 steals.
Yes, But

Oklahoma City’s injuries to Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and Cason Wallace have shifted the immediate title picture. Still, the Spurs have a long way to go before proving they can win four playoff rounds, and Barkley’s claim that no team is in their league may be premature.

State of Play
  • Wembanyama anchors San Antonio, with Harper, Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox giving the team multiple options.
  • Kenny Smith sees last season’s Finals loss to the Knicks as motivation for another title run.
Bottom Line

The Spurs have earned a place in the championship conversation, but their streak proves they’re hot now—not yet that they’re the team to beat when the playoffs arrive.