A Year Later: The San Antonio Spurs' Resurgence in the Western Conference
By Jessica Warner
February 18, 2026
A year ago, a shocking health scare threatened to derail Victor Wembanyama's promising NBA career. But fast forward to today, and the San Antonio Spurs are back in Austin, boasting an impressive record and a rising momentum that has fans buzzing. (SBG San Antonio)
SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio Spurs are making a remarkable comeback, just one year after a health scare threatened to derail Victor Wembanyama's season. The team is now one of the top contenders in the Western Conference, with a record that puts them second only to Oklahoma City. This dramatic turnaround has been a testament to the resilience of the players and the coaching staff.
Last year, when the Spurs were in Austin, they received devastating news: Wembanyama had suffered a blood clot, ending his season prematurely and crushing San Antonio's playoff hopes. Fast forward 365 days, and the Spurs are back in Austin, ready to take on the Phoenix Suns with a six-game winning streak under their belt. Wembanyama, who recently showcased his talent with a 33-point, eight-rebound performance in the All-Star Game, is leading the charge.
The Spurs' coach, Mitch Johnson, believes there's a silver lining to this experience. Despite the team's struggles in recent seasons, Austin fans have remained loyal and enthusiastic. This year, the Spurs have become a surprise package, and even Keldon Johnson admits they might have been the most surprised by their own success. But the team is far from complacent, aiming to maintain their momentum and keep winning.
On Friday night, the Spurs will face the Phoenix Suns, led by Devin Booker, in a highly anticipated match-up in Austin. With a chance to extend their winning streak to seven games, the Spurs are determined to make a statement. The following day, they'll take on the Sacramento Kings, who have lost 14 straight games and are without Domantas Sabonis for the remainder of the season. The Spurs' resurgence is a testament to their resilience and a thrilling development in the Western Conference.
