You know that feeling when you're watching a game in July and the air conditioning in the Thomas & Mack Center is basically the only thing keeping you sane? That’s where the San Antonio Spurs found themselves this past summer.
Honestly, the spurs summer league schedule has become a pilgrimage for fans. It’s not just about some random exhibition games anymore. Not when you have the No. 2 overall pick, Dylan Harper, making his debut in the Silver and Black. People used to skip the California Classic. Now? They’re lining up in San Francisco just to see if the hype is real.
Let’s get into the weeds of what actually happened and what the schedule looked like, because if you missed it, you missed the start of a very specific era in San Antonio.
The California Classic: The Warm-Up
Before the bright lights of Las Vegas, the Spurs headed to San Francisco for the California Classic. It’s a smaller, more intimate vibe at the Chase Center.
They started things off on July 5, 2025, against the Miami Heat. If you were looking for a blowout, you didn't get it. The Spurs actually dropped that one 82-69. David Jones was the bright spot there with 18 points. It was a bit of a clunky start, which is typical for a group of guys who probably just met in the hotel lobby two days prior.
But then came July 6. This was the game people actually cared about. Spurs vs. Warriors.
The atmosphere was weirdly electric for a summer game. The Spurs pulled off a narrow 90-88 win, and David Jones went off for 25 points. It was the first time we really saw the "grit" that Gregg Popovich usually demands, even from the summer squad. They wrapped up the California leg on July 8 with a heartbreaker against the Lakers, losing 89-88.
The Main Event: Las Vegas Schedule
Vegas is where the spurs summer league schedule really gets meat on its bones. This is the NBA 2K26 Summer League, and for San Antonio, it was a showcase of their newest lottery prizes.
The schedule was a gauntlet of top-five picks.
July 10, 2025: @ Philadelphia 76ers
This was a Statement with a capital S. The Spurs absolutely dismantled the Sixers 111-70. David Jones-Garcia (who was playing like he wanted a max contract immediately) put up 24. Harrison Ingram was everywhere, grabbing 6 boards and tossing 4 assists.
July 12, 2025: vs. Dallas Mavericks
The "I-35 Rivalry" moved to Nevada. It was a defensive slog, honestly. 69-76 win for the Spurs. But the headline wasn't just the score—it was the matchup. We saw Dylan Harper finally getting his feet under him while trying to contain the Mavs' new talent.
July 14, 2025: vs. Utah Jazz
Another win. 93-91. This was the Jones-Garcia show again (28 points), but Harrison Ingram’s double-double with 14 rebounds showed that the Spurs' 2024 second-rounder was far too good for this level of competition.
July 17, 2025: @ Charlotte Hornets
The undefeated streak died here. Charlotte took it 106-81. Kon Knueppel, the Hornets' rookie, looked like a vet. The Spurs looked like they had spent a bit too much time at the buffet. It happens.
July 19, 2025: vs. Detroit Pistons
They ended the "regular" part of the Vegas schedule on a high note, winning 96-84. This brought their Vegas record to 4-1.
The Roster: Who Was Actually Running the Floor?
A lot of fans were asking: "Where is Wemby?"
Look, Victor Wembanyama is past the point of playing in a Vegas gym in July. He’s the face of the franchise. You don’t risk those ankles in a game that doesn't count.
Instead, the roster was built around the new guys:
- Dylan Harper (No. 2 Pick): A 6-foot-6 guard out of Rutgers. He's a bully. He gets to the rim whenever he wants. The outside shot is a work in progress, but the vision is top-tier.
- Carter Bryant (No. 14 Pick): The Arizona forward. He’s that classic "3-and-D" wing every team is obsessed with. He showed flashes of being a lockdown defender.
- Harrison Ingram: He’s basically the "glue guy" for the future. He does the dirty work.
- David Jones-Garcia: The breakout star of the summer. He led the team in scoring almost every night.
It’s a different vibe than the Tim Duncan years. It’s faster. It’s more athletic.
Why the Schedule Matters for 2026
If you're looking at the spurs summer league schedule and thinking it's just a distraction, you're missing the point. These games were the first time Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle (the 2024 Rookie of the Year) had to figure out spacing.
The Spurs are currently trying to build a wall around Wembanyama. To do that, they need guards who can actually defend the point of attack. That's what Summer League was for. It was a testing ground for a backcourt that now features De’Aaron Fox (acquired via trade) alongside the kids.
What You Should Know About the Venue
If you’re planning to go next year, here’s the reality.
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The Thomas & Mack Center is the big arena. It’s where the "main" games happen. But the Cox Pavilion is connected to it, and that’s where things get fun. It’s a tiny gym. You’re basically sitting on top of the players. You can hear the coaches screaming. You can hear the trash talk.
Tickets are usually sold as a day pass. You pay once and you can sit there for 10 hours watching basketball. It sounds like heaven, but by game four, your back will hurt. Trust me.
Actionable Insights for Spurs Fans
If you're following the team's development through these summer cycles, here is how to actually evaluate what you’re seeing:
- Ignore the PPG: A guy scoring 30 in Summer League doesn't always mean he's a star. Look for "NBA skills"—is he making the right rotation? Is he fighting through screens?
- Watch the body language: The Spurs prioritize "SPURS culture." Watch how the rookies interact with the coaching staff during timeouts. That tells you more about their longevity than a contested layup.
- Check the G-League path: Most of these guys on the summer roster, like Carter Bryant, will spend time with the Austin Spurs. If they play well in July, they get the "Two-Way" contract. If they don't, they're heading to Europe or the South Bay Lakers.
- Follow the Broadcasts: Most of these games are on ESPN or NBA TV. If you missed them live, the replays on the NBA App are usually free after a few days.
The 2025 summer was a massive success for San Antonio. They found out David Jones-Garcia is a legitimate bucket, and they confirmed that Dylan Harper is the physical guard they've been craving since the Dejounte Murray days.
Keep an eye on the official Spurs social channels around late June. That’s when the next set of dates will drop. Usually, the California Classic is the first weekend of July, followed immediately by the ten-day Vegas marathon.
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Next Steps for Your Spurs Coverage:
Check out the current NBA standings to see how these Summer League graduates are impacting the regular season rotation. Pay close attention to the injury reports for the Austin Spurs, as that’s where the next wave of summer talent is currently developing their game.