The San Antonio SpursTeam·San Antonio Spurs' remarkable 2025-26 NBA season, which sees them contending in the Western Conference FinalsCompetition·Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City ThunderTeam·Oklahoma City Thunder, is being cheered on by an unexpected, yet deeply devoted, fan base: the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco. Affectionately known as the "Spurs nuns," their unwavering support has become a heartwarming subplot to the team's resurgence.
Their connection to the Spurs dates back decades, rooted in their ministry to better understand and engage with the youth they serve at St. John Bosco School. This long-standing loyalty, not a recent phenomenon, underscores their admiration for the team's ethos. Sister Margaret Natal, who grew up following the Spurs, encapsulates this sentiment, noting the team's emphasis on collective effort. "You see how Coach Pop taught them to work as a team and that it's not about the best player, but that you have to work as a team. I think that is so beautiful," Sister Margaret Natal stated.
During the current Western Conference FinalsCompetition·Western Conference Finals, the sisters' enthusiasm has been palpable. Photos shared on Facebook capture their spirited watch parties, with Sisters Margaret Natal, Suzanne Miller, and Sydney Moss reacting to crucial calls during Game 1. Sister Assunta Sanchez was also seen cheering passionately. Their game-day attire often includes team jerseys worn over their habits, complemented by pom-poms and handmade "glitter signs" crafted by Sister Margaret Natal.
While the sisters have adjusted their viewing habits due to discontinuing cable service, they ensure they tune into every game broadcast on television. Their official website recently highlighted this "Joyful Connection" in a May 19, 2026, post, further cementing their unique bond with the franchise. Sister Bernadette Mota, who previously coached youth basketball, emphasized the practical aspect of their fandom: "Our ministry is with young people, and we need to be able to converse with them and talk to them. I can talk basketball with the kids and it's something that I've really enjoyed watching."
The Spurs' journey this season has provided ample reason for celebration. They concluded the regular season with an impressive 62-20 record, securing the 2nd seed in the Western Conference and their first Southwest Division title since 2016-17. This marks their first playoff berth since the 2018-19 season and their first time crossing the 60-win threshold since 2016-17. Their exceptional form included a 30-4 record in their final 34 games and an undefeated February 2026, a franchise first since March 2014.
Their success extended to the 2025 NBA CupCompetition·NBA Cup, where they finished as tournament runner-up. On their path, they eliminated the Los Angeles LakersTeam·Los Angeles Lakers in the quarterfinals and upset the defending champions, the Oklahoma City ThunderTeam·Oklahoma City Thunder, in the semifinals, ending the Thunder's 16-game winning streak. Their tournament run concluded with a loss to the New York KnicksTeam·New York Knicks in the championship game.
In the 2026 playoffs, San Antonio has demonstrated resilience, defeating the Portland Trail BlazersTeam·Portland Trail Blazers in five games in the first round and the Minnesota TimberwolvesTeam·Minnesota Timberwolves in six games in the semifinals, advancing past both rounds for the first time since 2017. They now face the Oklahoma City ThunderTeam·Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference FinalsCompetition·Western Conference Finals.
Off the court, the team saw a significant transition with Gregg PopovichCoach·Gregg Popovich stepping down as head coach on May 2, 2025, after 29 seasons. Assistant coach Mitch JohnsonCoach·Mitch Johnson, who had served as acting head coach for much of the previous season, was officially named the team's head coach. On the court, Victor WembanyamaPlayer·Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron FoxPlayer·De'Aaron Fox were selected as All-Stars, with Mitch JohnsonCoach·Mitch Johnson also earning a coaching spot in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. Wembanyama further distinguished himself as the unanimous NBA Defensive Player of the Year, becoming only the third player in history to lead the league in blocks for three consecutive seasons. Wembanyama (25.0 PPG), De'Aaron FoxPlayer·De'Aaron Fox (18.6 PPG), and Stephon CastlePlayer·Stephon Castle (16.7 PPG) all finished among the top 50 scorers in the NBA. The Spurs' defensive rating of 110.4 ranked third in the NBA, making them the only team to finish in the top three in both offensive and defensive ratings.
As the Spurs continue their quest for a championship, the Salesian Sisters remain their most dedicated cheerleaders, embodying a spirit of community and unwavering belief. Sister Margaret Natal's prediction for the team's ultimate success is clear: "They're gonna win the championship."
Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs drives past Luguentz Dort of the Thunder. PRESSE SPORTS/IMAGO
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