The 1980-81 NBA season was the fifth season in the NBA, the seventh in San Antonio, and the 13th as a franschise. This would be a landmark season in many ways. The San Antonio Spurs moved to the Western Conference along with the Houston Rockets. The Spurs would win their first Midwest Division title, their third division title overall (the Spurs also won the Central Division in 1977-78 and 1978–79).

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 would lose in 7 games to the cross-state rival Houston Rockets.

Notes

Note: GP= Games played; FG= Field Goals; FT= Free Throws; REB= Rebounds; AST= Assists; STL = Steals; BLK = Blocks; PTS = Points; AVG = Average

The Spurs had a first round bye.

(2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (6) Houston Rockets: Rockets win series 4-3

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