Victor Wembanyama Leads Spurs to Playoff Berth with Last-Second Victory Over Suns

On March 19, 2026, the San Antonio Spurs secured a playoff spot for the first time in six seasons by defeating the Phoenix Suns 101-100 at the Frost Bank Center. Victor Wembanyama played a pivotal role in this victory, scoring 34 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, including a decisive pull-up jumper with just one second remaining in the game. This win marked the Spurs' fourth consecutive victory and solidified their position as a top-six team in the Western Conference.

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The game was tightly contested, with the Suns initially taking a 39-28 lead in the first half, aided by strong performances from Collin Gillespie and Devin Booker, who scored 24 and 22 points, respectively. However, the Spurs mounted a comeback, highlighted by a 19-11 run to start the third quarter, allowing them to take a brief lead. In the final minutes, a 9-0 run by San Antonio set the stage for Wembanyama's game-winning shot. The Suns struggled to close out the game, with rookie Rasheer Fleming missing two crucial free throws in the closing seconds.

Associated Press

The Suns faced significant challenges due to injuries, missing key players such as Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams, which hampered their defensive efforts against Wembanyama. Coach Jordan Ott's team has now entered a four-game losing streak, with all losses coming by eight points or less. Booker emphasized the need for the team to learn how to win together, citing their struggles with closing games.

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In the aftermath of the game, Devin Booker remarked, “We've just got to learn how to win together. Still a first-year group that's dealt with injuries and not much time to go through these stretches earlier in the season together and figure out what works.” This sentiment reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the Suns as they navigate their season.

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Critics have pointed out the Suns' inability to finish games, highlighting a pattern of late-game collapses that has plagued the team throughout the season. The absence of key players has been a recurring theme, raising questions about the team's depth and resilience.

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Following this game, the Spurs will host the Indiana Pacers, while the Suns will return home to face the Milwaukee Bucks. Both teams are looking to solidify their standings as the season approaches its conclusion, with the Spurs aiming to maintain their playoff momentum and the Suns seeking to break their losing streak.

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This victory not only marks a significant milestone for the Spurs but also underscores the ongoing struggles of the Suns as they attempt to regroup and find their footing in a competitive Western Conference.

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