History of San Antonio Spurs in Timeline

The San Antonio Spurs are a professional basketball team based in San Antonio, competing in the NBA's Western Conference as part of the Southwest Division. They play their home games at the Frost Bank Center. As one of the four ABA teams that remained intact after the ABA-NBA merger in 1976, the Spurs have distinguished themselves by winning multiple NBA championships, being the only ABA team to achieve this feat.

1970: Mediocre Season

During the 1970-71 season, the Dallas Chaparrals' second season was a bit of a disappointment, as the team finished in fourth place with a mediocre 41–37 record. In the playoffs, the Chaparrals quickly fell to the New Orleans Buccaneers.

1971: Attempt to Become Regional Team

During the 1970–71 season, the name "Dallas" was dropped in favor of "Texas" and an attempt was made to make the team a regional one, playing games in Fort Worth, at the Tarrant County Convention Center, as well as Lubbock, at the Lubbock Municipal Coliseum, but this proved a failure and the team returned full-time to Dallas in time for the 1971–72 season, splitting their games at Moody Coliseum and Dallas Convention Center Arena.

1972: Sale of the Team

In 1972, the Dallas Chaparrals decided to sell the team to a different city, and the Chaparrals had to choose between San Antonio and El Paso. A group of 35 San Antonio businessmen—led by Angelo Drossos, John Schaefer, and Red McCombs—worked out a "lend-lease" deal with the Dallas ownership group.

1973: Team Uniforms

In 1973, the Spurs road uniforms were always black with silver trim.

1973: Team Renamed to Spurs

In 1973, the team was renamed the San Antonio Spurs and changed its primary colors from red, white, and blue to black, silver, and white. This branding took effect for the 1973–74 season.

1973: Team Colors and Logo

In 1973, when the team became the San Antonio Spurs, the team colors became black, silver, and white, and the distinctive logo of the word Spurs in Eurostile font, with a stylized spur, was introduced.

February 7, 1974: George Gervin's Spurs Debut

On February 7, 1974, George Gervin made his San Antonio Spurs debut after a judge ruled in the Spurs' favor regarding a dispute with the ABA. Gervin had been acquired from the Virginia Squires.

1974: Coaching Change and Style Shift

During the 1974–75 season, Coach Tom Nissalke was fired as the team's ownership become tired of the Spurs' slow playing style and replaced by Bob Bass. The Spurs then became an exciting fast-break team.

June 1976: ABA–NBA Merger

In June 1976, the ABA–NBA merger took place, and the San Antonio Spurs joined the NBA along with the Denver Nuggets, the Indiana Pacers, and the New York Nets.

1976: Spurs Join the NBA

During the 1976–77 season, the San Antonio Spurs proved worthy of NBA inclusion with a record of 44–38, good for a tie for fourth place overall in the Eastern Conference.

1976: ABA-NBA Merger

In 1976, the San Antonio Spurs were one of four former American Basketball Association (ABA) teams to remain intact in the NBA after the ABA–NBA merger. The Spurs are one of two former ABA teams to have won an NBA championship.

1977: Gervin Wins Scoring Title

During the 1977–78 season, George Gervin of the San Antonio Spurs won the NBA scoring title by scoring 63 points against the Jazz in New Orleans on the final day of the season.

1977: Team Uniforms

From 1977 to 1981, a saddle-like striping was featured on the back of the home shorts.

1979: Loss in Conference Finals

In the 1979 Western Conference Finals, the San Antonio Spurs lost to the Washington Bullets despite leading the series 3-1. The Bullets won the seventh game 107-105.

1980: Continued Success

The San Antonio Spurs continued their success from the 1970s, achieving a record of 52-30 in 1980–81.

1981: Team Uniforms

From 1977 to 1981, a saddle-like striping was featured on the back of the home shorts.

1981: Move to Midwest Division

In the 1980-81 season, the San Antonio Spurs were moved to the Midwest Division of the Western Conference.

1982: Team Uniforms

From 1973 to 1982, the road uniform lettering was black with silver trim.

1982: Playoff Loss to Lakers

The San Antonio Spurs lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in four games in the 1982 Western Conference playoffs.

1983: Introduction of The Coyote as Spurs' Mascot

The Coyote has been the San Antonio Spurs' mascot since 1983. Created by and portrayed for 21 years by Tim Derk, Coyote is known for his slapstick humor, rehearsed skits and previous dance numbers with Spurs' cheerleaders.

1983: Playoff Loss to Lakers

The San Antonio Spurs lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games in the 1983 Western Conference Finals, despite winning both games at the Forum.

1984: Gervin Traded to Bulls

After the 1984–85 season, George Gervin, the San Antonio Spurs' biggest star, was traded to the Chicago Bulls.

1985: Dark Time in Spurs History

The next four seasons were a dark time in San Antonio Spurs' history with the team having a combined record of 115–213 from 1985–86 until 1988–89.

1987: Drafting David Robinson

In 1987, the San Antonio Spurs were awarded the top pick in the NBA draft lottery and selected David Robinson from the United States Naval Academy.

1987: Spurs Select David Robinson First Overall

In 1987, the Spurs previously chose David Robinson first overall before choosing Victor Wembanyama in 2023.

1988: Worst Record in Franchise History

The San Antonio Spurs seemingly bottomed out in 1988–89 with a record of 21–61, the worst in franchise history at the time.

1988: Team Uniforms

Until the 1988–89 NBA season, the road uniform had "San Antonio" on the front while the home uniform featured the team nickname adopted from the Spurs logo

1989: Introduction of Fiesta Colors to Logo

From 1989 to 2002, 'Fiesta colors' of pink, orange and turquoise were incorporated into the Spurs logo.

1989: David Robinson's Tenure Begins

From 1989 to 2003, David Robinson played for the San Antonio Spurs, contributing to the team's success.

1989: Spurs record from 1989-1990 for the biggest single-season improvement for wins

In 1989 to 1990, the Spurs achieved a notable turnaround, marking the biggest single-season improvement in wins.

1989: David Robinson decides to play for the Spurs

In 1989, David Robinson decided to come to San Antonio for the 1989-90 season, following speculation that he might become a free agent after his Navy service. Sean Elliott was also drafted in 1989.

1989: Team Uniforms

Since the 1989–90 NBA season, the Spurs uniform has remained practically the same, with the road uniform now using the team nickname from their logo.

1989: Larry Brown as Head Coach

The 1988–89 season featured the debut of Larry Brown as the San Antonio Spurs' head coach who moved to San Antonio after winning the NCAA National Championship with Kansas in 1988.

1989: Inspiration for "Fiesta" era design

The San Antonio Spurs' 2020-2021 uniforms were inspired by the team's "Fiesta" era from 1989–2002.

1990: Spurs record from 1989-1990 for the biggest single-season improvement for wins

In 1989 to 1990, the Spurs achieved a notable turnaround, marking the biggest single-season improvement in wins.

1991: Spurs in the Playoffs

In 1991, the San Antonio Spurs were a perennial playoff presence, but unable to advance further than the second round of the NBA playoffs.

1992: Coaching Changes and Playoff Sweep

In 1992, the Spurs fired coach Brown and replaced him with Bob Bass for the remainder of the season. Without a healthy David Robinson, the Spurs were swept out of the first round of the playoffs by the Phoenix Suns. Jerry Tarkanian was hired and then fired as coach. John Lucas was named head coach.

1992: Start of Spurs-Suns Playoff Rivalry

Since 1992, the Spurs and the Phoenix Suns have met 10 times in the playoffs.

1993: Peter Holt Purchases the Spurs

In 1993, local businessman Peter M. Holt and a group of 22 investors purchased the Spurs from Red McCombs for $75 million.

1993: Charles Barkley's Game-Winning Shot

In the 1993 playoffs, Charles Barkley made a game-winning jump shot in the final game at the HemisFair Arena.

1994: Spurs suffer a loss in the first round of the playoffs

In the 1993–94 season, the Spurs' first in the newly built Alamodome, Lucas led the team to a 55–27 record but the team suffered a loss in the first round of the playoffs, which led to the immediate firing of Lucas as head coach.

1995: Last time Rockets and Spurs met in Western Conference Finals

The 2017 playoffs was the first time the Spurs and the Houston Rockets met since the 1995 Western Conference Finals.

1995: Conference Finals

The San Antonio Spurs did not make the conference finals until 1995.

1996: "City" Uniform Based on 1996 NBA All-Star Game Uniforms

During the 2022 season, the San Antonio Spurs wore a turquoise "City" uniform with elements based on the uniforms worn in the 1996 NBA All-Star Game.

1996: Robinson sidelined with Injury

In 1996, David Robinson missed the first month of the season due to a back injury and later was sidelined for the rest of the season due to a broken foot.

1996: Spurs reach Western Conference Finals

In 1996, the Spurs finished with the NBA's best record at 62–20. The Spurs reached the Western Conference Finals, but lost to the eventual NBA Champion Houston Rockets.

1996: Last time Spurs failed to qualify for postseason

The 1996-97 season was the last time before 2020 that the Spurs failed to qualify for the postseason.

1996: Spurs' last worst season

The 2022–23 season was San Antonio's worst since the 1996–97 season.

1997: Tim Duncan's Tenure Begins

From 1997 to 2016, Tim Duncan played for the San Antonio Spurs, contributing to the team's success.

1997: The Twin Towers Era Begins

In 1997, The Twin Towers, David Robinson and Tim Duncan, began playing together for the Spurs.

1997: Spurs Draft Tim Duncan

In 1997, after a disastrous 1996-97 season, the Spurs won the NBA draft lottery and selected Tim Duncan as the top pick.

1997: Spurs Select Tim Duncan First Overall

In 1997, the Spurs previously chose Tim Duncan first overall before choosing Victor Wembanyama in 2023.

1997: Last time Spurs had a winning record before 2020

The 1996-97 season was the last time before 2020 that the Spurs finished with a losing record.

1997: Spurs begin training camp with Big Three members

The Spurs had members of their Big Three during the 1997-98 season, marking the last time before 2018 that they had a member of the Big Three at training camp.

1998: Dennis Rodman wins title with Bulls

In 1998, Dennis Rodman, after being traded from the Spurs to the Chicago Bulls, helped the Bulls win titles.

1998: Spurs lose to Jazz in Western Conference semi-finals

In 1998, the Spurs lost to the Jazz in the Western Conference semi-finals.

1998: Last time Mavericks Swept before 2012

The Mavericks were previously swept in the 1998 season before being swept by the Spurs in 2012.

January 1999: NBA Lockout Ends

In January 1999, the NBA owners and the National Basketball Players Association reached a resolution on a new labor agreement, ending a lockout that delayed the season for over three months.

1999: Spurs battle for first place

Coming off their first NBA Championship, the Spurs were among the best teams in the West and battling for first place in the Midwest Division during the 1999–2000 season.

1999: Start of Spurs-Lakers Dominance

From 1999 to 2005, one of either the Spurs or Lakers advanced to the NBA Finals every year.

1999: Manu Ginobili Drafted

In 1999, Manu Ginóbili, was drafted by the Spurs in the second round.

1999: The Twin Towers lead Spurs to NBA Championship

In 1999, The Twin Towers helped lead the San Antonio Spurs to the NBA championship.

1999: Selection of Manu Ginóbili

In 1999, the San Antonio Spurs selected Manu Ginóbili as the 57th overall pick in the second round of the NBA draft. Ginóbili went on to become an All-Star.

1999: NBA Finals Attendance Record

In 1999, the San Antonio Spurs set an NBA attendance record while playing at the Alamodome for the largest crowd ever for an NBA Finals game.

1999: NBA Championship

In 1999, the San Antonio Spurs won an NBA championship.

2000: Consecutive 50-Win Seasons

From 1999–2000 to 2016–17, the San Antonio Spurs won 50 games each season, setting a record of 18 consecutive 50-win seasons.

2000: Sean Elliott returns after kidney transplant

In 2000, Sean Elliott returned after a kidney transplant, boosting the Spurs' playoff hopes. Bexar County voters approved tax increases for a new arena.

2001: Selection of Tony Parker

In 2001, the San Antonio Spurs selected Tony Parker as the 28th overall pick in the first round of the NBA draft. Parker went on to become an All-Star.

2001: Playoff Ouster

In 2001, the Spurs finished with a 58–24 record but suffered a playoff ouster from the eventual NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers, getting swept from the Conference Finals.

November 1, 2002: Spurs Inaugurate SBC Center

On November 1, 2002, the San Antonio Spurs inaugurated the SBC Center in style by defeating the Toronto Raptors 91–72.

2002: Logo Alignment Change

Beginning with the 2002–03 NBA season, the Spurs logo alignment changed from straight to arched.

2002: Robinson announces retirement, SBC Center opens

In 2002, David Robinson announced it would be his last season in the NBA and the Spurs would begin play at their new arena, the SBC Center, named after SBC telecommunications giant.

2002: Another playoff ouster

In 2002, the Spurs finished with a 58–24 record but found themselves suffering playoff ouster from the eventual NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers, losing in five games during the second round.

2002: Team Uniforms

In the 2002–03 season, a minor change included the addition of another black (road) and white (home) trim to the already silver-trimmed block numbers.

2002: Inspiration for "Fiesta" era design

The San Antonio Spurs' 2020-2021 uniforms were inspired by the team's "Fiesta" era from 1989–2002.

2003: The Twin Towers Win Another NBA Championship

In 2003, The Twin Towers helped lead the Spurs to another NBA championship.

2003: NBA Championship

In 2003, the San Antonio Spurs won an NBA championship.

2003: Team Uniforms

In 2003–04 and later in 2006–07, they wore silver throwback jerseys to honor their late 1970s team.

2003: Stephon Marbury's Buzzer-Beater

In Game 1 of the first round of the 2003 playoffs, Stephon Marbury made a buzzer-beating three-pointer.

2003: Rodeo Road Trip Initiation

Since 2003, the San Antonio Spurs have been forced into an extended road trip for much of February since the Frost Bank Center hosts the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo during that month. This is informally known as the "Rodeo Road Trip". In 2003, the team set an NBA-record longest single road-trip winning streak (eight games out of nine).

2004: Peak of Spurs-Lakers Rivalry

From 1999 to 2004, the rivalry between the Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers was considered the NBA's best.

2005: Spurs acquire Michael Finley and Nick Van Exel

For the 2005–06 season, the Spurs acquired Michael Finley and Nick Van Exel.

2005: End of Spurs-Lakers Dominance

From 1999 to 2005, one of either the Spurs or Lakers advanced to the NBA Finals every year.

2005: NBA Championship

In 2005, the San Antonio Spurs won an NBA championship.

2006: Team Uniforms

In 2003–04 and later in 2006–07, they wore silver throwback jerseys to honor their late 1970s team.

2006: Launch of Noches Latinas

The Spurs were one of the first NBA teams to wear the branded jerseys, in the 2006–07 NBA season during events called "Noches Latinas", part of a Hispanic marketing campaign known as "éne-bé-a".

2007: The Coyote Inducted into Mascot Hall of Fame

In 2007, The Coyote, the San Antonio Spurs' mascot, was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame. The Coyote has been featured in local and national media.

2007: NBA Championship

In 2007, the San Antonio Spurs won an NBA championship.

2007: Robert Horry's Hip Check on Steve Nash

In Game 4 of the 2007 playoffs, Robert Horry hip-checked Steve Nash.

2008: Tim Duncan's Game-Tying Three-Pointer

In Game 1 of the 2008 first round, Tim Duncan made a game-tying three-pointer.

July 10, 2009: Spurs signed Antonio McDyess

On July 10, 2009, the Spurs signed power forward Antonio McDyess from the Detroit Pistons to a three-year deal worth approximately $15 million in guaranteed money, bolstering their frontcourt.

2010: Goran Dragić's 23-Point Outburst

In Game 3 of the 2010 West semifinals, Goran Dragić had a 23-point outburst in the fourth quarter.

2010: Team Uniforms

When the NBA moved to the Adidas Revolution 30 technology for the 2010–11 season, the Spurs changed to V-neck jerseys and eliminated striping on the shorts' beltline.

September 19, 2012: Spurs Unveil Silver Alternate Uniform

On September 19, 2012, the Spurs unveiled a silver alternate uniform featuring only the stylized spur logo.

2012: Mavericks Swept by Spurs

In the 2012–13 season, the Dallas Mavericks were swept by the San Antonio Spurs for the first time since the 1998 season.

2013: Spurs Military Camouflage Uniform

In the 2013–14 season, a variation of the Spurs' alternate silver uniform, featuring military camouflage patterns instead of the usual silver, was used for two games; a sleeved version was used the next season.

2014: Agreement with Spirits' Owners

In 2014, 38 years after the completion of the ABA–NBA merger, the Spirits of St. Louis' owners reached an agreement with the NBA to end perpetual payments and take a lump sum of $500 million instead.

2014: "Los Spurs" Jerseys

In 2014, the "Los Spurs" jerseys, which are worn in recognition of Latino fans, were sleeved.

2014: NBA Championship

In 2014, the San Antonio Spurs won an NBA championship.

2014: Spurs Military Camouflage Uniform

Prior to the 2014-15 season, the Spurs' primary logo on their alternate silver unform was replaced by the NBA logo. Also, a variation of this uniform, featuring military camouflage patterns instead of the usual silver, was used for two games in the 2013–14 season; a sleeved version was used the next season.

2015: Spurs Unveil Black Alternate Uniform

In the 2015–16 season, a black variation of the Spurs' alternate uniform was unveiled.

July 11, 2016: Tim Duncan Announces Retirement

On July 11, 2016, Tim Duncan announced his retirement from the NBA after 19 seasons with the Spurs. Duncan retired as one of two players in NBA history to record at least 26,000 points, 15,000 rebounds and 3,000 blocks in his career while also being the only NBA player to reach 1,000 wins with a single team, marking the end of an era for the Spurs.

2016: Consecutive 50-Win Seasons

From 1999–2000 to 2016–17, the San Antonio Spurs won 50 games each season, setting a record of 18 consecutive 50-win seasons.

2016: Spurs streak of 50+ win seasons ends

The 2016 NBA season marked the end of the Spurs streak of winning at least 50 games, ending their season with a .740 win percentage.

May 2017: Best Winning Percentage

As of May 2017, the San Antonio Spurs had the best winning percentage of any franchise in the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada over the previous three decades.

2017: Switch to Nike as uniform provider

In 2017, the San Antonio Spurs switched to Nike as their uniform provider, eliminating the "home" and "away" uniform designations. The "Icon", "Statement", and "Association" uniforms remained similar to the previous ones, with a change in the manufacturer's logo and custom block lettering.

2017: Spurs and Rockets Renew Playoff Rivalry

In the 2017 playoffs, the Spurs and the Houston Rockets met in the Western Conference Semifinals, marking their first playoff match-up since the 1995 Western Conference Finals. Tony Parker suffered a ruptured quadriceps tendon.

April 3, 2018: End of 50-win season streak

On April 3, 2018, the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Spurs 113–110, handing San Antonio its 33rd loss of the season. This loss ended the Spurs' record streak of eighteen 50-win seasons that had stretched back to 2000, including the 2011-12 season, which was shortened by a lockout.

June 2018: Reports of tension between Leonard and Spurs surface

In June 2018, reports indicated that Kawhi Leonard had requested a trade due to growing tension between his camp and the Spurs regarding his injury rehabilitation.

July 6, 2018: Tony Parker signs with Charlotte Hornets

On July 6, 2018, Tony Parker signed with the Charlotte Hornets after a 17-year career with the Spurs.

July 18, 2018: Kawhi Leonard Traded to Toronto Raptors

On July 18, 2018, Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green were traded to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Pöltl and a protected 2019 first-round draft pick.

2018: Replacement of Silver Dancers

In 2018, the San Antonio Spurs' cheerleaders, the Silver Dancers, were replaced after 26 years.

2018: Spurs begin training camp without Big Three members

In 2018, the Spurs began training camp without a member of the Big Three for the first time since the 1997–98 season.

2018: Consecutive Playoff Appearances

In the 2018–19 season, the San Antonio Spurs matched an NBA record for most consecutive playoff appearances with 22.

2019: Lamarcus Aldridge's All-Star Game appearance

In 2019, Lamarcus Aldridge represented the Spurs at the All-Star Game before Dejounte Murray did so.

2019: Spurs Miss Playoffs

In 2019, the Spurs missed the playoffs for the first time since 1996-97.

2019: NBA Season

The 2019-20 season was suspended on March 11, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

March 11, 2020: NBA Season Suspended Due to COVID-19

On March 11, 2020, the NBA suspended the 2019–20 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic after Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19.

August 13, 2020: Spurs Fail to Qualify for Postseason

On August 13, 2020, for the first time since the 1996–97 season, the Spurs failed to qualify for the postseason when the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, ending an NBA record-tying streak of 22 consecutive playoff appearances.

December 22, 2020: 2020-2021 NBA Regular Season Begins

On December 22, 2020, the 2020-2021 NBA regular season began, shortened to 72 games due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: NBA holds a play-in tournament

At the conclusion of the 2020–2021 season, the NBA held a play-in tournament where the Spurs participated as the tenth seed in the Western Conference.

2020: Retirement of Camouflage-style "City" Uniforms

Prior to the 2020–21 season, the San Antonio Spurs retired their camouflage-style "City" uniforms, opting for a design inspired by the team's "Fiesta" era from 1989–2002.

2021: Spurs Miss Playoffs for Second Consecutive Season

Following the 2020–2021 season, the Spurs missed the playoffs for the first time in franchise history in two consecutive seasons. DeRozan was traded to the Chicago Bulls.

2021: Reprising the "Fiesta" theme

For the 2021–22 season, the San Antonio Spurs reprised the "Fiesta" theme, incorporating elements from previous uniforms, including turquoise diamonds from the George Gervin-era uniforms and a logo on the left leg honoring the Dallas Chaparrals.

2021: Spurs finish season with 33-39 record

In 2021, the Spurs finished the season with a 33–39 record and LaMarcus Aldridge left the team midway through the season.

2022: Spurs Trade Dejounte Murray and Jock Landale

During the off-season of 2022, Dejounte Murray and Jock Landale were traded to the Atlanta Hawks for Danilo Gallinari and future draft picks.

2022: Future draft pick

In 2021, DeRozan was traded to the Chicago Bulls for the Bulls’ 2022 second-round pick.

2022: Replacement of Silver "Statement" Uniforms

In 2022, the San Antonio Spurs replaced their silver "Statement" uniforms with a black one featuring silver letters, a new "SATX" wordmark, a new "Texas spur" alternate logo, and grayscale patterns inspired by traditional serapes and saddle blankets. Additionally, the team wore a turquoise "City" uniform with elements from the 1996 NBA All-Star Game uniforms.

2022: 50th Anniversary

In the 2022-23 season, the San Antonio Spurs celebrated the club's 50th anniversary.

January 13, 2023: Spurs Set Attendance Record at Alamodome

On January 13, 2023, the Spurs set a regular-season single-game attendance record with 68,323 spectators at the Alamodome in a game against the Golden State Warriors.

May 16, 2023: Spurs Win Draft Lottery

On May 16, 2023, the Spurs won the draft lottery, allowing them to receive the first pick in the 2023 NBA draft.

2023: "City" Uniform Homage to Hemisfair '68

The San Antonio Spurs' "City" uniform for the 2023–24 season paid homage to Hemisfair '68, featuring a white base with tan and orange stripes, a psychedelic-style "San Antonio" wordmark in brown, and neon light-inspired numbers.

2024: Other Regular Season Statistics

Other statistics for the regular season as of the end of the 2024–25 season.

2024: Regular Season Points Scored Statistics

Points scored in regular season as of the end of the 2024–25 season.

2024: Hemisfair-Themed "City" Uniform

The Hemisfair-themed design, albeit in light blue, was reused for the San Antonio Spurs' 2024–25 "City" uniform.

May 2, 2025: Gregg Popovich to Step Down as Head Coach

On May 2, 2025, Popovich announced that he would step down as the head coach but remain president of basketball operations. Mitch Johnson was named the team's permanent head coach.