Top 7 Storylines as the Spurs Return to the Playoffs

Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs begin their playoff journey

Apr. 19, 2026 at 11:04pm

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The San Antonio Spurs finished with a record of 62-20, posted the second-best net rating in the NBA at plus-8.3 and advanced to the playoffs for the first time since the 2018-19 campaign. How will the second-seeded Spurs fare in their return to the postseason? Here are the top seven storylines.

Why it matters

The Spurs' return to the playoffs after a multi-year absence is a significant moment for the franchise and its young core led by Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama. As San Antonio looks to make a deep postseason run, the team's defense, shooting, coaching, and Wembanyama's playoff readiness will all be key factors to watch.

The details

The Spurs' defense has been a strength all season, led by Wembanyama's rim protection. However, the playoffs will test that defense as opponents scheme to work around the young star. San Antonio's streaky outside shooting will also be crucial, as their offense tends to thrive when the team is making enough three-pointers. First-year head coach Mitch Johnson will face his biggest test yet, managing a mix of veterans and playoff-inexperienced young players. Rookie guard Dylan Harper has impressed, but may face challenges adjusting to the increased intensity of the playoffs. Meanwhile, Stephon Castle has emerged as a breakout star, but will need to prove his three-point shooting and ball control can hold up. Finally, the spotlight will be on superstar Wembanyama, who has never played in the playoffs before.

  • Over his final 20 games, Stephon Castle averaged 16.8 points, 8.6 assists and 6.1 rebounds.
  • In his last 25 games, Castle shot 41.2% from three-point range.

The players

Victor Wembanyama

The 22-year-old Defensive Player of the Year who averaged 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 3.1 blocks and 1.0 steals per game this season.

Mitch Johnson

The Spurs' first-year head coach who guided the team to a 62-20 record and their first playoff appearance since 2018-19.

Dylan Harper

The Spurs' rookie guard who averaged 11.8 points, 3.9 assists and 3.4 rebounds this season.

Stephon Castle

The Spurs' breakout second-year guard who averaged 16.8 points, 8.6 assists and 6.1 rebounds over the final 20 games of the regular season.

De'Aaron Fox

The veteran Spurs guard who may need to take on a larger scoring role in the playoffs after deferring to younger teammates during the regular season.

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What’s next

The Spurs' first-round playoff series will begin on Saturday, April 20th.

The takeaway

The Spurs' return to the playoffs after a multi-year absence is an exciting moment for the franchise and its young core. While the team has enjoyed a tremendous regular season, the true test lies ahead as they navigate the intensity and adjustments of the postseason. How San Antonio's defense, shooting, coaching, and Wembanyama's playoff readiness hold up will be crucial factors in determining how far this team can go.