Spurs Poised for Playoff Push After All-Star Break

San Antonio's young team looks to end long postseason drought

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The San Antonio Spurs are in uncharted territory as they head into the second half of the NBA season. At 38-16, the team sits second in the Western Conference and is poised to make the playoffs for the first time in seven years. Led by All-Star center Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs are determined to not just reach the postseason, but make a deep run.

Why it matters

The Spurs have missed the playoffs for the past six seasons, the longest drought in franchise history. Their surprising success this year has energized the fan base and raised expectations, with the team now eyeing home-court advantage in the first round and possibly even overtaking the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder for the top spot in the West.

The details

The Spurs' turnaround has been fueled by the continued development of Wembanyama, who is coming off his second All-Star selection, as well as strong contributions from veteran forward Harrison Barnes and emerging star guard De'Aaron Fox. While the team's preferred starting lineup lacks extensive playoff experience, with only Fox having seen postseason action, the Spurs are confident they can handle the pressure of meaningful games down the stretch.

  • The Spurs checked into a hotel in downtown Austin on Wednesday, ahead of games against the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings.
  • A year ago, Wembanyama was shut down for the remainder of the season with a blood clot in his right shoulder, just days before the Spurs' annual visit to Austin.

The players

Victor Wembanyama

The Spurs' 7-foot-4 All-Star center who is healthy and leading the team's playoff push after missing the end of last season with a blood clot.

Harrison Barnes

The veteran forward who has urged his teammates to aim higher than just making the playoffs, saying a first-round exit would not be a successful season.

De'Aaron Fox

The Spurs' All-Star guard who is the only player in the team's preferred starting lineup with prior NBA playoff experience, having appeared in seven postseason games with the Sacramento Kings in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“I've seen everybody put in the work, and I've seen everyone sacrifice. And we're still not there. We've still got a lot more work to put in and a lot more to sacrifice.”

— Victor Wembanyama (expressnews.com)

“Everybody said no. We're looking to do bigger and better things.”

— De'Aaron Fox, All-Star guard (expressnews.com)

“It's the first time a lot of our guys are playing meaningful basketball after the break. It's definitely going to be an adjustment.”

— De'Aaron Fox, All-Star guard (expressnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.