Takeaways: Wembanyama, Spurs Handed First Setback As Suns Win With Ease
Phoenix’s balanced attack and late surge proved too much as San Antonio’s unbeaten run ends in Arizona.
PHOENIX — The San Antonio Spurs’ early-season momentum came to a halt Sunday night in the desert. Their first loss of the 2025–26 campaign — a 130–118 defeat to the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center — stung even more after rookie guard Dylan Harper left the game with a left calf injury.
Phoenix (3–4) set the tone from the opening tip, attacking the Spurs’ defense early and often. The Suns outscored San Antonio by 14 in the first quarter and never gave up the lead, punishing defensive lapses and forcing the Spurs into uncharacteristic turnovers.
“We did not start with the proper approach,” Spurs Head Coach Mitch Johnson said. “When you don’t start with the right approach and you do, as Phoenix did, you’re in for a really long night.”
Here are three takeaways from the Spurs’ loss to Phoenix:
Losing Harper Hurts
The Spurs’ promising start to the season hit a harsh turn when Harper, the No. 2 overall pick, exited in the second quarter with a left calf injury.
Harper appeared to tweak his leg after contesting a shot from Phoenix center Nick Richards. He immediately grabbed at his calf, grimacing in pain before making his way to the locker room under his own power, followed by general manager Brian Wright. He did not return.
“I just believe it’s something to do with his calf, but I don’t have anything as of yet,” Johnson said after the game.
According to ESPN’s Michael C. Wright, Harper was later seen leaving the arena in a walking boot and crutches, though the Spurs won’t know the full extent of the injury until an MRI is completed.
The timing couldn’t be worse for San Antonio, which is already short-handed. De’Aaron Fox, Luke Kornet, Lindy Waters III, and Kelly Olynyk were all out Sunday, and Harper had quickly become a vital piece in the Spurs’ early success — offering secondary playmaking and defensive energy alongside Victor Wembanyama.
If Harper misses extended time, the Spurs’ rotation will once again be stretched thin — and Johnson’s young group will have to grow up fast.
