By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The San Antonio Spurs jumped to 5-0 in the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season by taking down the Miami Heat, 107-101, in Frost Bank Center, starting a new campaign with five straight wins for the first time in franchise history. Victor Wembanyama paved the way with 27 points, 18 rebounds, six assists, five blocks, and one steal, lasting just under 40 minutes.
“We worked for it. We started the season strong, and we will keep that streak going for as long as possible. It’s good to see results, because we could be playing good and still not getting as many wins as we wish,” said the 21-year-old French big in the postgame press conference, replying to a question about the historic 5-0 tally.
“Until I am getting dunked on more than I block shots, I am going to keep going, but none of us is going to live to this day,” the Alien jokingly responded to taking more risks in defense compared to other players.
His teammate, Polish Jeremy Sochan (left wrist sprain), stayed on the injury list. On the opposite end, Lithuanian Kasparas Jakucionis (right groin strain) was among the injured players, and Russian Vladislav Goldin was inactive as well, but Italian Simone Fontecchio produced 18 points, Swedish Pelle Larsson scored five points, and Serbian Nikola Jovic logged 9:30 despite a right hip contusion but did not score.
“It’s going to be interesting for sure, when we have a full squad ready to go, but I think we just have to think about the present right now, who is out there, who is with the team right now,” mentioned 29-year-old Fontecchio, commenting on the limited options for head coach Erik Spoelstra.
Bilal Coulibaly resurfaces
A former teammate of Wemby at Metropolitans 92, Bilal Coulibaly returned from right thumb surgery stemming from an injury in EuroBasket 2025 with France and went for 16 points as a starter for the Washington Wizards in a loss, 127-108, to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Paycom Center. Also in Brian Keefe’s starting lineup, fellow French import Alex Sarr registered 14 points and Swiss Kyshawn George got 12 points, and Serbian reserve Tristan Vukcevic ended up with three points. Helping the defending champions improve to 6-0, Belgian Ajay Mitchell chipped in 20 points off the bench, German starter Isaiah Hartenstein got 17 points, and French Ousmane Dieng scored two points, but Serbian Nikola Topic (testicular cancer treatment) was inactive.
Snapping a four-game losing streak, the Orlando Magic topped the Charlotte Hornets, 123-107, in Spectrum Center. Franz Wagner played through a left heel contusion on the bottom end of a back-to-back and put in a game-high 21 points, while fellow German Tristan da Silva tallied 19 points, Georgian Goga Bitadze added six points, and French Noah Penda had three points, but German Moritz Wagner (left knee injury recovery) remained sidelined. Two French reserves for the hosts, with Moussa Diabate on ten points and Tidjane Salaun off the scoring list.
With Greek superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo initially listed as probable with left knee soreness, he was ruled out for Thursday, but the Milwaukee Bucks overpowered the Golden State Warriors, 120-110, in Fiserv Forum. His brothers were also sidelined, with Thanasis on the bench and Alex out of the lineup. Starting for the visitors, Dutch Quinten Post lasted 9:39 and grabbed three rebounds.
Thursday results
Charlotte Hornets – Orlando Magic 107-123
Milwaukee Bucks – Golden State Warriors 120-110
Oklahoma City Thunder – Washington Wizards 127-108
San Antonio Spurs – Miami Heat 107-101
Standings
Eastern Conference
1. Chicago Bulls 4-0
2. Philadelphia 76ers 4-0
3. Milwaukee Bucks 4-1
4. Miami Heat 3-2
5. Cleveland Cavaliers 3-2
6. Detroit Pistons 3-2
7. New York Knicks 2-2
8. Atlanta Hawks 2-3
9. Charlotte Hornets 2-3
10. Boston Celtics 2-3
11. Orlando Magic 2-4
12. Toronto Raptors 1-4
13. Washington Wizards 1-4
14. Indiana Pacers 0-4
15. Brooklyn Nets 0-5
Western Conference
1. Oklahoma City Thunder 6-0
2. San Antonio Spurs 5-0
3. Denver Nuggets 3-1
4. Golden State Warriors 4-2
5. Portland Trail Blazers 3-2
6. Los Angeles Lakers 3-2
7. Memphis Grizzlies 3-2
8. Utah Jazz 2-2
9. Los Angeles Clippers 2-2
10. Houston Rockets 2-2
11. Minnesota Timberwolves 2-3
12. Dallas Mavericks 2-3
13. Phoenix Suns 1-4
14. Sacramento Kings 1-4
15. New Orleans Pelicans 0-4
-Top 6 teams from each conference advance directly to the Playoffs
-Teams seventh through tenth from each conference advance to the Play-Ins