It’s been a brilliant start to the season for the Spurs, but Phoenix Suns handed them their first real setback. After five straight wins – the best start in San Antonio’s history – Victor Wembanyama experienced his first tough night: 9 points on 4-for-14 shooting, 9 rebounds, and 6 turnovers in the 130–118 loss to the Suns. It was his first game under 10 points in over a year.

Phoenix managed to disrupt every catch, pushed him away from the rim, and anticipated the Spurs’ offensive sets. San Antonio never really found rhythm, trailing by as many as 31 in the third quarter and getting buried by the Suns’ 57.6% shooting from three.

Wembanyama credited the opponents afterward:

They were ready for everything. Now it’s on us to prepare better

Victor Wembanyama

The supporting cast will need to provide more help as well. Stephon Castle, the Spurs’ leading scorer with 26 points, emphasized the need to create clearer spaces for the French star:

We have to be quicker and give him better passing lanes

Stephon Castle

An additional concern is the calf injury suffered by Dylan Harper, who had been off to a strong NBA start, averaging 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. For a team that spent last year dealing with injuries and forced rotations, it’s a potential warning sign.

We’ve seen great things from him – it’s been almost hard to believe how well he’s played. But these things happen; we have to be able to handle this situations

Victor Wembanyama

No drama, though. San Antonio remains one of the most intriguing stories of the season: young talent, a growing identity, and a generational star as their focal point.

Phoenix’s game could serve as a classic “learning loss”. On Wednesday against the Lakers, we’ll see whether the Spurs can turn it into growth right away.