Night's Watch
The only former ABA team to win multiple NBA championships.
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, competing in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference. Playing their home games at Frost Bank Center, they stand as one of four former American Basketball Association (ABA) teams to remain intact after the 1976 merger. They are unique among those survivors for winning multiple NBA championships, having claimed titles in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014. Their sustained excellence is tied closely to the tenures of icons David Robinson and Tim Duncan, as well as head coach Gregg Popovich.
- Consecutive Playoff Appearances
- 22 (tied the NBA record in 2018–19; streak ended after the 2019–20 season)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The franchise began in 1967 as the Dallas Chaparrals in the inaugural ABA season. After a mediocre second year and poor attendance, the team briefly became the Texas Chaparrals before returning to Dallas. Financial struggles led to a sale in 1973 to a group of 35 San Antonio businessmen led by Angelo Drossos, John Schaefer, and Red McCombs. The name 'San Antonio Gunslingers' was briefly considered before they adopted the Spurs name and black, silver, and white colors for the 1973–74 season. Led by James Silas, Swen Nater, and George Gervin—who joined in January 1974 after a court ruling in favor of the ABA/Spurs—they finished 45–39. By 1976, the Spurs joined the NBA merger alongside the Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and New York Nets.
In Their Own Story
In the 1977–78 season, George Gervin engaged in a legendary scoring battle with David Thompson for the NBA title. On the final day, after Thompson scored 73 points against Detroit, Gervin needed 58 points against New Orleans. He erupted for 20 points in the first quarter and set a single-period record with 33 points in the second, finishing with 63 to secure the scoring crown while leading the Spurs to a 52–30 Central Division title. As of the 2022–23 season, marking their 50th anniversary, they held the highest winning percentage among active NBA franchises.
Reader's Guide
Fans support the Spurs at Frost Bank Center (formerly SBC and AT&T Center), where the team regularly sells out despite an extended February road trip known as the "Rodeo Road Trip" due to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. This period is historically significant, featuring an NBA-record eight wins in nine games during a single road trip in 2003. The team maintains deep community ties, with former players like David Robinson at Carver Academy and George Gervin at the Youth Center active in San Antonio. Victory parades for championships traditionally take place as boat trips on the San Antonio River Walk.
Did You Know?
- The Spurs are the only former ABA team to have won multiple NBA championships.
- On April 9, 1978, George Gervin scored 33 points in a single quarter and finished with 63 points to secure the scoring title.
- From 2003 onward, the team has been forced on an extended road trip each February for the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.
- The Spurs set an NBA record by winning 50 games or more in 18 consecutive seasons (1999–2000 to 2016–17).
- After the 1976 merger, the Spirits of St. Louis received a portion of all Spurs TV profits until a $500 million lump-sum agreement in 2014.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Night's Watch?
There is no faction or group by that name recorded in San Antonio Spurs history or official NBA records.
What are Night's Watch's powers/role?
The franchise relies on real basketball talent like Tim Duncan rather than fictional groups with special powers or roles.
How does Night's Watch's story end?
Because this group is not part of real Spurs lore, there is no storyline or conclusion to report in official history.
Why is Night's Watch important?
It holds no historical weight compared to verified achievements like the five NBA championships won between 1999 and 2014.
Is Night's Watch a fan club?
No known fan group uses this name officially, and all records focus on real championship seasons and arena details instead.
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