Living in San Antonio, you realize that the people here don't just like the Spurs; they are almost obsessed with them.

When I first moved to San Antonio, I thought, "What's so great about having an NBA team?" But after living here, I understand why.

People in Dallas talk about the Cowboys during the NFL season. During the NBA season, they talk about the Mavericks. Baseball fans follow the Rangers.

Houston is the same. With the Astros, Texans, and Rockets, sports fans' interests are naturally divided.

However, San Antonio has only one major professional sports team: the Spurs. There are no NFL or MLB teams here.

This means that the energy of the entire city supporting a sports franchise is focused solely on the Spurs.

It's almost like being the only child in a family, right? Haha

During the playoff season, everyone talks about the Spurs, restaurants buzz with Spurs discussions, and people at local bars stay glued to the TV until the game ends.

When you think about it, it makes sense.

When Americans are asked if they know San Antonio, many think of the Spurs before the Alamo.

Since the Tim Duncan era, they've won five championships, and even those who don't watch the NBA have heard of the Spurs.

They are essentially the strongest brand in this city.

That's why this return to the Finals is so special.

It's been a whopping 12 years since their last championship in 2014.

During that time, Spurs fans endured rebuilding, losing streaks, and just waited while watching draft rankings.

When they drafted Wembanyama, many thought, "Maybe in about five years, we'll be competing for a championship."

But they got here much faster than expected.

When they secured their spot in the Finals by defeating Oklahoma City in Game 7, local news in San Antonio was all about the Spurs for almost the entire day.

Radio, TV, and social media were all focused on the Spurs.

Interestingly, if the Dallas teams are struggling, people can just wait for the Cowboys season.

Houston fans can go watch the Astros play. But San Antonio doesn't have that. They ultimately return to the Spurs.

So, the people in this city think of the players as family.

Many cried when Duncan retired, and when Coach Popovich gives an interview, it often makes the top story in local news.

It's also interesting that their Finals opponent is the New York Knicks. The Spurs faced the Knicks in their first championship win in 1999.

For long-time fans, it's not just about wanting to win.

It's about saying, "Finally, it's our turn again."

Right now, the most anticipated event in this city is Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

The stage that has returned after 12 years is not just about one team's success; it's a moment for the entire city of San Antonio to shine once again.