The 1980–81 NBA season was the fifth season in the NBA, the seventh in San Antonio and the 13th as a franchise. It was a landmark season in many ways. The San Antonio Spurs moved to the Western Conference along with the Houston Rockets. The Spurs won their first Midwest Division title, and their third division title overall (they had won the Central Division in 1977-78 and 1978–79). The Spurs had the fourth best team offensive rating in the NBA.

Draft picks

Roster

Regular season

Under realignment, the Spurs were shifted to the Midwest Division in the Western Conference. Looking to improve on the previous season, the Spurs looked to shore up the defense by acquiring Dave Corzine, Dave Johnson, and Reggie Johnson. The moves paid immediate dividends as the Spurs got off to a 10–2 start, on the way to a Division Crown with a 52–30 record. In the playoffs, the Spurs lost in 7 games to the cross-state rival Houston Rockets.

Season standings

Notes

Record vs. opponents

Game log

Regular season

Playoffs

Player statistics

Ragular season

† Denotes player spent time with another team in the season. Stats reflect time with the Spurs only.

Playoffs

Award winners

Transactions