Hoops Tonight - Are Spurs & Nuggets new NBA title favorites? + 5 best breakout seasons | NBA Reaction

Happy Thursday from Hoops Tonight at The Volume. We’re diving into the Spurs’ late rally in Toronto, Denver’s statement win over Boston, and five names that jumped into the wider hoops conversation this season.

What flipped Spurs–Raptors late? A ruthless six-minute stand where San Antonio surrendered only two points, plus timely shotmaking as Steph Castle and Devin Vassell hit big threes and Dylan Harper powered the run with defense, a wild creation pass, and extra-effort plays.

How did Victor Wembanyama swing it? Even on an off shooting night he owned the rim, pinned a reverse at the cup after a four-on-three, and then buried a drifting corner three that served as the dagger.

Are the Spurs real contenders? I’m moving them into the top tier because their guard penetration plus Wemby’s backline coverage is a matchup riddle for anyone, and an upcoming stretch against New York, Philly, Boston, Denver, and more will test that ceiling.

What about the preseason read? I missed on San Antonio; new evidence matters more than old takes, and I’m buying their stock instead of defending a stale prediction.

How did Denver smother Boston? They sat Nikola Jokic in a deep drop, stayed home on shooters, funneled ball handlers into midrange pull-ups, limited second chances, and kept the Celtics out of transition.

Who set the tone and what sealed it? Denver’s wings guarded without fouling, Jokic hit two backbreaking threes late in the third, and even with Jamal Murray under the weather they found enough off physical screening and runouts; now the goal is stacking these defensive games before the playoffs, where I still have them second in my contender ranks.

Which players became household names this season? Keonte George, Jalen Duren, Deni Avdija, Steph Castle, and Jalen Johnson.

Why these five? George paired efficient three-level scoring with real table-setting, while Duren’s ground power and touch made him a dominant finisher with face-up flashes.

Avdija attacks relentlessly and lives at the line despite an uneven jumper; Castle blends two-footed strength, passing feel, and on-ball defense; Johnson is an open-floor problem with big box-score nights who still has half-court polish to add.

That’s the show—appreciate you riding along. Mailbag drops tomorrow; see you then.