Victor Wembanyama was an imploding bomb when playing against the Bulls. It had been too long before another historic stat. So he snapped his cold stretch by doing just that. He scored 18 in the fourth quarter to help the Spurs turn around a 13-point deficit. It included a 10-0 personal run and a few daggers.

But the Spurs aren’t satisfied yet. It’s a surprise, really. They sit as the second seed in the West with an 8-2 record. Additionally, this was only the second game with guard De’Aaron Fox in the lineup. But Wemby and the Spurs aren’t focused on their record. It’s all about facing the best and measuring themselves from those games.

“Of course, we wish we had won every single game, but in the long ru,n we’re not going to go 82-0 for sure. And what I like is that we keep each other accountable. The coaching staff keep us accountable, so I know we’re only going to keep getting better. I’m also realistic that we didn’t play the best teams in the league yet. But we’re getting better and we’re going to be ready when it’s time to face them,” said the Spurs’ 7’4” cornerstone.

And it is partly true. The Bulls have been performing above par, but were without Josh Giddey, who suffered from a right ankle injury. Yet, the Spurs have still managed to show their growth against some good teams. They vanquished the Houston Rockets in their NBA Cup opener and even won a tough contest against the Miami Heat.

And all this while, people seemed to have forgotten Fox was missing. It can’t be helped when a force like Victor Wembanyama is out there. He became the first player in league history to record 35 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, five blocked shots, and five 3-pointers in a game when facing the Bulls. Three of those triples came in the fourth when the Spurs needed it the most.

But Fox’s return sets them up for big things.

The Spurs are much more than just Victor Wembanyama

There’s no doubt that Wembanyama has settled into the NBA. An intentional training with monks and other NBA legends has seen his meteoric rise solidify itself. But while he is taking over the headlines, the Spurs have quietly assembled a roster that can complement his gifts.

Take the example of Stephon Castle. The reigning ROTY has recorded 10+ assists in his last three games. Even with Fox, the Spurs have delegated ball-handling duties to the sophomore guard, who has nearly doubled his assists tally from last season. And his defense continues to shine.

The Spurs are allowing the fourth fewest points per game, at just 111.3.

Then comes their ability to make good picks. Dylan Harper entered this year with high expectations, but has displayed unreal readiness. Despite coming off the bench, the Spurs record a +8 point differential with him on the floor. That’s the third-highest for any player on the San Antonio Spurs. He sustained a calf injury, which marked a huge loss for the team.

But then De’Aaron Fox returned just in time. The former Kings point guard has adjusted to a role of being the secondary scorer. Fox has scored 20+ in each of his two games so far, and is another closer besides Wemby. That creates an intriguing dynamic within the Spurs. And these are just the names that stand out.

When you consider the depth that includes Devin Vassell, Luke Kornet, Harrison Barnes, and more, the Spurs being 8-2 isn’t a coincidence. They will have a chance to prove that soon. The face the Nuggets, Timberwolves, Magic, and the Cavaliers from the last week of November. That’s the stretch that could define just what this team can do this season.

But don’t be surprised if Victor Wembanyama and Co. continue on this run. They have a young team who are highly motivated, and a two-way ace who can do it all on the court. With designated roles on the roster, their understanding as a unit continues to deepen with each game.

It was only a matter of time before the Spurs would be back in the title conversation. But it seems like the time has already come. Do you think Wemby can lead the Spurs to a top 6 finish this season? Let us know your views in the comments below.