NBA power rankings: Spurs shine in post-All-Star shake-up, but can they stay on top?

It’s a post-All-Star shake-up in the NBA, and Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs are leading the pack in at least one set of power rankings.

The 41-16 Spurs have climbed to No. 1 in NBC Sports’ power rankings after a statement win over the Pistons, extending their winning streak and turning a former lottery regular into a legitimate postseason contender.

NBC Sports summed up just how dominant Wembanyama was in that win over Detroit:

“For three quarters, the Detroit Pistons used their physicality to disrupt and wear down Victor Wembanyama on Monday night. Didn’t work. In the fourth quarter, Wembanyama had 11 points, six rebounds, three assists and four blocks to make sure the Spurs pulled away from the Pistons for a 114-103 victory… This team was 22-60 in both the 2022-2023 and 2023-24 seasons. San Antonio entered this season with people expecting them to take a step forward into the play-in, not make a leap to title contender, but here we are.”

The Spurs are having an impressive season, currently on a nine-game winning streak following a series in Austin. Victor Wembanyama is leading the team in both points and rebounds. Supporting him are Devin Vassell and Stephon Castle, who provide crucial secondary creation and playmaking.

The Spurs are averaging 119 points per game and boast an elite net rating, placing them among the top five teams in the league. The eye test has certainly been backed up by statistics. The team will travel to Toronto for a midweek matchup against the Raptors, then head to New York for games against the Nets on Thursday and the Knicks on Sunday.

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