The Spurs reach October 22 at 0-1, a day before the Rockets come to San Antonio. The franchise's record on this date, and its longer history, argue for patience over alarm.
What has happened on October 22 in Spurs history?
On October 22, 1976, in their first NBA season after the ABA-NBA merger, the Spurs won 121-118 at Philadelphia. The next two seasons the date went the other way, with losses at Portland and at the Lakers. A year ago it brought a 125-92 win at Dallas, early in a 62-20 season that ended in the Finals against the Knicks. Results on this date are mixed. What came after them is what mattered.
Should an 0-1 start worry anyone?
No. One loss to the Thunder, a team San Antonio knocked out of last season's conference finals, says little with 81 games left. This franchise made its name over the long haul: 50 wins every season from 1999-2000 through 2016-17, and in 2018-19 it matched the NBA record of 22 straight playoff appearances. Eighth in the West after one night is noise. The real test comes tomorrow.
Does the old Rockets history mean anything tomorrow?
Houston was one of the teams that ended Gervin-era playoff runs, along with Washington, Boston and the Lakers. Today's Rockets under Ime Udoka are 1-0 after going 52-30 last season, when Kevin Durant averaged 26.0 points and Alperen Sengun 20.4. Steven Adams is day-to-day with a right calf issue. The history is background. The test in front of them is a 52-win team, followed by a trip to Dallas the next night.
What does the Robinson era say about patience with Castle and Harper?
The 1987 lottery brought David Robinson, and San Antonio waited until 1989-90 while he finished his Navy service. When he arrived, the Spurs went 56-26, the biggest one-season turnaround in NBA history. The current front office is showing the same kind of patience by exercising 2027-28 options on Castle, Harper and Bryant. Against the Thunder, Castle, a former Rookie of the Year, scored 24 and Harper, the No. 2 pick, added 18.
Is Wembanyama's opener a real concern?
One game does not erase a season of 25.0 points and 11.5 rebounds. ESPN's Michael C. Wright reported that he missed his first 12 shots, and RealGM ran his own read that he "might be overthinking it." Gervin won a scoring title with a 63-point night in New Orleans, and franchise players are judged over months, not one night. Help may be close: Tobias Harris is day-to-day with a left calf issue and is expected back tomorrow.
When do the Spurs play the Rockets?
The Spurs host the Rockets on October 23 on Prime Video, then play at Dallas on October 24.
What did the Spurs do on October 22 last season?
They won 125-92 at Dallas, early in a 62-20 season that ended with a Finals loss to the Knicks.
