Spurs' Victor Wembanyama Reveals What Scares Him After Clinching Playoff Spot

The 22-year-old superstar is focused on avoiding complacency despite the team's success.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 4:36am

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The San Antonio Spurs clinched a playoff spot on Thursday night with a 101-100 victory over the Phoenix Suns, led by a game-winning shot from star player Victor Wembanyama. Wembanyama finished with 34 points and 12 rebounds, but despite the team's success, he revealed that his biggest fear is becoming complacent.

Why it matters

The Spurs' return to the playoffs after a six-year drought solidifies them as a powerhouse in the Western Conference. Wembanyama's mindset of avoiding complacency shows his drive to keep improving and not be satisfied with just making the postseason.

The details

The Spurs overcame an 11-point halftime deficit and a 10-point fourth quarter lead by the Suns to clinch the playoff spot. Wembanyama was dominant, going 10-of-20 from the field and a perfect 12-of-12 from the free throw line. De'Aaron Fox also made a crucial layup in the final minute to cut the Suns' lead to one. Despite the heroics, Wembanyama said his "first instinct is to be proud of it, but the key for me, is to try to not to care, cause we want to attack 82 games." He added that he is "scared to become complacent."

  • The Spurs clinched their playoff spot on Thursday, March 20, 2026.

The players

Victor Wembanyama

The 22-year-old superstar player for the San Antonio Spurs who led the team to the playoffs with a game-winning shot and a dominant 34-point, 12-rebound performance.

De'Aaron Fox

The Spurs guard who made a crucial layup in the final minute to cut the Suns' lead to one and help the team secure the victory.

Khaman Maluach

The Phoenix Suns player who had a thunderous dunk that extended their lead in the fourth quarter.

Collin Gillespie

The Phoenix Suns player who led the team with 24 points in the losing effort.

Devin Booker

The Phoenix Suns star player who scored 22 points in the game.

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What they’re saying

“First instinct is to be proud of it, but the key for me, is to try to not to care, cause we want to attack 82 games. I am scared to become complacent.”

— Victor Wembanyama

What’s next

The Spurs will look to continue their strong play as they prepare for the NBA playoffs, where they will face a new challenge as a powerhouse No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.

The takeaway

Victor Wembanyama's mindset of avoiding complacency despite the Spurs' success shows his drive to keep improving and not be satisfied with just making the playoffs. This mentality will be crucial as the team looks to make a deep postseason run.