San Antonio Spurs chase playoffs as Victor Wembanyama leads revival
Victor Wembanyama has the San Antonio Spurs on course for the playoffs just one year after a blood clot ended the French star’s season.
The Spurs resumed their campaign on Thursday with a dominant 121-94 victory over the Phoenix Suns in Austin.
It marks a significant shift in fortunes for a franchise seeking its first postseason berth since 2019.
Wembanyama, now in his third NBA season, has been the catalyst for a culture change following a turbulent 12 months for the organisation.
Overcoming medical adversity
The team’s current success stands in stark contrast to the distress of the 2024-25 campaign.
Progress stalled last February when doctors diagnosed Wembanyama with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.
The diagnosis forced San Antonio to shut down their 7ft 5in centre for the remainder of the season.
That medical emergency was just one part of a difficult year that began with head coach Gregg Popovich suffering a stroke.
Mitch Johnson was required to step into the lead role abruptly amid the uncertainty.
Further compounding the roster issues, trade acquisition De’Aaron Fox underwent season-ending surgery to repair tendon damage in his finger.
San Antonio ultimately finished that season with a 34-48 record, missing the playoffs for a sixth consecutive year.
Setting a new tone
Wembanyama has returned with a determination that has permeated the entire roster.
His influence was evident during the recent All-Star weekend in Los Angeles.
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards noted that the two-time All-Star “set the tone” for the most competitive exhibition game in years.
This intensity seemingly trickled down to Spurs rookies Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle during the Rising Stars event.
Wembanyama was vocal about his competitive approach prior to the festivities.
“I’ve always thought to myself that if I was in [the All-Star Game], I’m never stepping onto the court to lose or not [play hard].”
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs Centre
“I’m thinking it’s [not] OK to lose. I’m going to be out there. I might as well win.”
The Spurs are now looking to carry that mentality into the final 27 games of the regular season.