Spurs’ youth movement ahead of schedule, but confidence sky high

The Spurs weren’t supposed to be here yet. Not this soon. Not this convincingly.

Three years after landing Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio is headed to the Western Conference finals, and it’s doing it with a rotation filled with players even younger than its franchise star.

That part hasn’t fazed anyone inside the building.

“I understand the expectations in October weren’t aligned with where we are now,” coach Mitch Johnson said, via the AP. “We never talked about what we were going to be… we just tried to be the best team we could be.”

Turns out, that’s been pretty good.

The Spurs rolled past Minnesota in Game 6, winning by 30 on the road and closing out the series with authority. Wembanyama remains the centerpiece, but this isn’t a one-man show. Not even close.

Stephon Castle, the No. 4 pick in 2024, led the way with 32 points and 11 rebounds, knocking down five threes. Rookie guard Dylan Harper, last year’s No. 2 pick, added 15 points off the bench and continued a strong postseason.

That’s the formula. Draft well. Develop fast. Trust the group.

“We’re a really talented group that plays together and plays very selfless,” Castle said. “I think we can beat anybody on any given night.”

Big words for a young team. Then again, they’re backing them up.

Now comes the next step. The Thunder. The West finals. A bigger stage, a tougher test.

The Spurs don’t seem too concerned about that either.