spurs last 5 years

Spurs' Last 5 Years: A Statistical Deep Dive

By Hannah WalkerNovember 12, 2025

The San Antonio Spurs, a mainstay in the NBA, have seen a mix of triumphs and challenges over the past five years. This period has been marked by both the team's iconic coach Gregg Popovich's pursuit of his sixth championship and the emergence of a new generation of Spurs players.

As the 2021-22 season comes to a close, let's delve into the Spurs' journey over the last half-decade, exploring their highs and lows, and the key figures who have shaped their story.

The Golden Years Begin to Fade

The 2017-18 season marked the beginning of a new era for the Spurs. The team, led by Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge, started the season strong but injuries derailed their campaign. Leonard's mysterious quad injury and subsequent feud with the organization led to his departure, signaling the end of an era.

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The Spurs finished the season with a 47-35 record, earning the seventh seed in the Western Conference. They were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Golden State Warriors, a stark contrast to their previous deep playoff runs.

The Rise of Dejounte Murray

As the Spurs entered the 2018-19 season, they were a team in transition. The departure of Leonard and the trade of Aldridge to the New Orleans Pelicans left a void in the leadership department. However, the emergence of point guard Dejounte Murray provided a glimmer of hope. Murray, drafted in 2016, stepped into a starting role and averaged 12.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.

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Despite Murray's growth, the Spurs struggled, finishing the season with a 48-34 record and losing in the first round of the playoffs to the Denver Nuggets. The team's inconsistency and lack of veteran leadership were evident, setting the stage for a rebuild.

The Rebuild Begins

The 2019 offseason saw the Spurs make significant changes. They traded veteran forward Davis Bertans to the Washington Wizards and drafted forward Luka Samanic with the 19th overall pick. The team also signed free agent forward DeMarre Carroll and re-signed guard Patty Mills.

The 2019-20 season was a challenging one for the Spurs. They finished with a 32-39 record, their worst in two decades. The season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Spurs missed the playoffs for the first time since the 1996-97 season. However, the season also saw the continued development of Murray and the emergence of forward Keldon Johnson, drafted in 2019.

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Popovich's Pursuit of Six

As the Spurs entered the 2020-21 season, Coach Gregg Popovich was still chasing his sixth championship, tying him with Phil Jackson for the most in NBA history. The team made several roster changes, including trading for guard Dejounte Murray and drafting forward Jordan Clarkson.

The season was a rollercoaster for the Spurs. They started strong, with Murray leading the team in scoring and assists. However, injuries and inconsistency plagued the team, and they finished the season with a 33-39 record, once again missing the playoffs.

The Emergence of Keldon Johnson

Despite the team's struggles, there were bright spots. Forward Keldon Johnson, drafted in 2019, emerged as a key player. He averaged 17.0 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. Johnson's growth was a sign that the Spurs' rebuild was on the right track.

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the san antonio spurs basketball team is depicted in this poster, which features all of their players

the spurs have won't be able to play in their regular season openers

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However, the season also saw the departure of veteran forward LaMarcus Aldridge, who announced his retirement due to a heart issue. Aldridge's departure left a void in the team's frontcourt, but it also opened up opportunities for younger players like Johnson and forward Jakob Poeltl.

The 2021-22 Season: A Step Forward

The 2021-22 season has been a step forward for the Spurs. Led by Murray and Johnson, the team has shown improvement, particularly on the defensive end. They entered the All-Star break with a 24-29 record, putting them in the playoff hunt in the Western Conference.

The team has also seen the continued development of their young players. Forward Jeremy Sochan, drafted in 2022, has shown promise, and guard Josh Richardson has provided valuable contributions off the bench. The Spurs' future looks bright, with a core of young players led by Murray and Johnson.

The Spurs' journey over the past five years has been one of change and growth. From the end of the Tim Duncan era to the emergence of a new generation of players, the team has navigated challenges and setbacks. As the 2021-22 season comes to a close, the Spurs look poised to continue their rebuild, with a young, talented core leading the way. The pursuit of another championship may still be some years away, but the future looks promising for the San Antonio Spurs.