Spurs clinch playoff return
The San Antonio Spurs clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2019, ending a seven‑year drought and shaking up the Western Conference picture (cbssports.com). If the season ended today the West would look top‑heavy with the Thunder, Nuggets, Spurs and Lakers while the East is led by the Pistons, Celtics and Bucks — play‑in drama still looms for teams like the Warriors and Heat ( ).
Victor Wembanyama drained a 17‑foot pull‑up jumper over Oso Ighodaro with 1.1 seconds left to lift San Antonio to a 101–100 win on March 19, 2026. (espn.com) Wembanyama finished the night with 34 points and 12 rebounds while De’Aaron Fox added 23 points in the Frost Bank Center victory. (espn.com) The win pushed the Spurs’ record to 52–18 and is reflected in current standings that list San Antonio as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. (basketball-reference.com) San Antonio has captured 20 of its past 22 games through this stretch, a surge that has dramatically altered the West’s seeding race heading into April. (hoopsrumors.com) The NBA’s updated postseason bracket shows the Spurs slotted as the (2) seed and slated to open against a Western Conference play‑in winner, with the Play‑In Tournament set for April 14–17 and the first round beginning April 18. (nba.com) Phoenix closed its six‑game road trip 2–4 after Collin Gillespie scored 24 and Devin Booker 22 in the loss, keeping the Suns parked in the Western play‑in picture for now. (espn.com)
