Wembanyama's Spurs Become Playoff Contender After Dramatic Turnaround

The 22-year-old French phenom has led the Spurs' resurgence after a difficult 2025 season.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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In the span of just 12 months, the San Antonio Spurs have gone from a team facing an uncertain future to an NBA playoff contender, thanks in large part to the emergence of star player Victor Wembanyama. After overcoming a serious health scare and the departure of longtime coach Gregg Popovich, the Spurs have surged up the standings, beating several of the league's top teams and earning All-Star recognition for their young core. Wembanyama, the team's franchise player, has embraced the extraordinary expectations placed on him, seeing the unprecedented as routine and believing the Spurs' rapid rise is "very believable."

Why it matters

The Spurs' dramatic turnaround has reinvigorated the franchise and its fanbase, who were facing the prospect of the team leaving San Antonio just a year ago. Wembanyama's rapid ascent to superstardom has defied expectations and shown that the Spurs can compete with the NBA's elite, even with a relatively inexperienced roster. This resurgence has also sparked renewed hope for a new arena in San Antonio, solidifying the team's future in the city.

The details

After Wembanyama was diagnosed with a blood clot in his shoulder following the 2025 All-Star Game, the Spurs' future was in doubt. With longtime coach Gregg Popovich also sidelined due to a stroke, the team struggled to find its footing. However, Wembanyama made a full recovery, and the Spurs' young core, led by Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle and lottery pick Dylan Harper, began to gel. Under new head coach Mitch Johnson, the Spurs have surged up the standings, beating several top teams including the reigning champion Thunder. The team's success has earned them All-Star recognition and renewed support from the San Antonio community, who are now optimistic about the Spurs' chances of making a deep playoff run.

  • In February 2025, Wembanyama was diagnosed with a blood clot in his shoulder following the All-Star Game.
  • In October 2025, the Spurs began their surprising turnaround, beating the Rockets, Nuggets, Lakers, and reigning champion Thunder.
  • In the 2025-26 season, the Spurs have emerged as a playoff contender and earned multiple All-Star selections.

The players

Victor Wembanyama

The 22-year-old French phenom and franchise player for the San Antonio Spurs, who has led the team's dramatic turnaround after overcoming a serious health scare.

Stephon Castle

A Spurs rookie who put the finishing touches on a Rookie of the Year campaign, contributing to the team's resurgence.

Dylan Harper

A recent Spurs lottery pick who has also played a key role in the team's success this season.

Mitch Johnson

The Spurs' new head coach, who has guided the team to an impressive turnaround after the departure of longtime coach Gregg Popovich.

Gregg Popovich

The Spurs' longtime head coach, who suffered a stroke and is unlikely to return to the team.

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What they’re saying

“It's very believable.”

— Victor Wembanyama (expressnews.com)

“It doesn't mean it was easy, by any means.”

— Victor Wembanyama (expressnews.com)

What’s next

The Spurs will look to continue their impressive run and secure a playoff spot, with Wembanyama leading the way. The team's success has also sparked renewed discussions about a new arena in San Antonio to secure the franchise's long-term future in the city.

The takeaway

Victor Wembanyama's ability to lead the Spurs' dramatic turnaround, despite facing significant challenges a year ago, has defied expectations and shown that the unprecedented is routine for the young superstar. The Spurs' resurgence has reinvigorated the franchise and its fanbase, proving that mission-driven, community-focused teams can still succeed in the modern NBA.