In a potential NBA Finals preview that lived up to every bit of the hype, the San Antonio Spurs delivered their most significant performance of the 2025-26 season on Sunday. Behind a dominant fourth-quarter surge from Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs stunned the league-leading Boston Celtics 100-95 at TD Garden. For fans checking the NBA scores January 11 2026, this result isn't just another win—it’s a declaration that San Antonio has officially arrived as a title threat.

Wembanyama's Clutch Takeover

The narrative surrounding Victor Wembanyama vs Celtics highlights will undoubtedly focus on the final two minutes, but the French phenom’s impact was felt throughout the second half. After a quiet start where Boston’s physical defense held him to just 5 points, Wembanyama erupted for 16 of his 21 points after the break. The defining moment came with 45 seconds remaining: isolated against Jayson Tatum on the right wing, Wembanyama rose for an unguardable 18-foot Wembanyama clutch jumper that silenced the raucous Boston crowd and put the Spurs up by three.

"We knew it would be a grinder," Wembanyama told reporters post-game. "But these are the moments you live for. Boston is the standard, and today we showed we can match that standard." The victory pushes the Spurs further up the Western Conference standings, solidifying their case for a top-four seed.

The Fox Effect: Speed Meets Size

While Wembanyama closed the show, it was De'Aaron Fox who kept San Antonio within striking distance during a sluggish first half. Since his blockbuster trade from Sacramento last February, Fox has transformed the Spurs' offense, and Sunday was a prime example of his value. Fox matched Wembanyama with 21 points, repeatedly slicing through Boston's perimeter defense to finish at the rim or kick out to shooters.

Looking at the De'Aaron Fox San Antonio Spurs stats for the season, he is now averaging nearly 22 points and 6 assists, but his chemistry with Wembanyama is what makes this team dangerous. Their pick-and-roll action in the third quarter forced the Celtics into difficult rotations, opening up lanes that simply weren't there in previous seasons. "De'Aaron changes the geometry of the court," Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich noted. "His pace allows Victor to operate in space, and that duo is becoming a nightmare to guard."

Defensive Masterclass at TD Garden

This San Antonio Spurs statement win was forged on the defensive end. Holding the high-powered Celtics offense to just 95 points—their lowest output of the month—required a total team effort. Sophomore standout Stephon Castle was instrumental, hounding Boston's guards and disrupting passing lanes. The Spurs' length, anchored by Wembanyama's rim protection, forced Boston into taking contested mid-range shots rather than their preferred three-pointers.

The intensity of the Spurs vs Celtics January 2026 matchup felt more like May than January. Rookie guard Dylan Harper also gave crucial minutes off the bench, showing poise beyond his years in a hostile environment. The Spurs' ability to grind out a low-scoring win against an elite offensive team proves they are no longer just a "fun young team" but a disciplined defensive juggernaut.

MVP Implications and Playoff Outlook

With this victory, the conversation around the NBA MVP rankings 2026 is sure to shift. Wembanyama’s two-way dominance—anchoring the league's top-ranked defense while delivering in the clutch against the defending champions—strengthens his case for the award. If the Spurs can maintain this momentum and secure a top seed, Wembanyama could become one of the youngest MVPs in league history.

For Boston, the loss is a rare blemish in a dominant season, but for San Antonio, it is validation. They walked into the toughest arena in the NBA and didn't just compete—they dictated the terms. As the playoffs approach, the league has been put on notice: the Spurs aren't waiting for the future. The future is now.