The San Antonio Spurs didn’t return to the playoffs. The playoffs returned to San Antonio. Accordingly, these fashionable San Antonio Spurs didn’t win their first playoff sport. Their first playoff sport gained the San Antonio Spurs, or no matter Kirk Lazarus aka Lincoln Osiris might need mentioned. Everybody’s geeked out from time to time, particularly come playoff time. It’s Hollywood—I imply, Fiesta.
And occasion time by no means seemed so good: Victor Wembanyama had a game-high 35 factors scored whereas De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Citadel had 17 factors apiece. The Spurs as a a staff went 15 -33 from downtown, good for 45% of their sport 1 win.
The nationwide media and social media made a giant hullabaloo in regards to the decked out Fiesta colours within the area and the delicate peer pressuring of fellow followers into carrying their (free!) designated t-shirts ( you, Tim Duncan) to seize the spirit of Fiesta, and for this time of 12 months, principally a typical regulation marriage with the Spurs additionally within the playoffs. I’m somewhat biased, rightfully so, however the Spurs ought to get some love and a focus for an ideal season and launching of a hopefully even higher postseason.
Victor Wembanyama received decrease than a pair of apple backside denims (boots with the fur) to drive his well beyond two defenders to earn a troublesome bucket. We will all breathe a sigh of reduction that the staff notched sport 1, nevertheless it does really feel like this staff additionally has the “acceptable worry” and respect for the Portland Trailblazers as a result of it is going to be a protracted collection.
As a not-so-side word, it’s additionally simple to root for interim Path Blazers head coach and former Spur Tiago Splitter. He’s carried out a unbelievable job main his staff to the playoffs after an atypical begin to the season the place head coach Chauncey Billups was arrested as a part of a large FBI playing investigation. No matter what occurs this offseason, Splitter ought to discover himself as a prime candidate for head teaching gigs whether or not in Portland or elsewhere.
You already know when the washer is unbalanced so it makes that loud noise in the course of the spin cycle? There was nothing unbalanced about this spin transfer Wembanyama placed on the protection as he cleared his personal path for a clear bucket. General, Wembanyama appeared as poised, collected, and in management as any 22-year-old basketball star could be of their first playoff sport.
This clip under doesn’t do correct justice to the super end-of-the-quarter sequence by the Spurs the place De’Aaron Fox pushed the ball in transition full courtroom figuring out full properly he was going to laser an ideal move to Keldon Johnson for the three. Fox drove simply far sufficient towards the basket to attract within the protection after which instantly pivoted towards a trailing Johnson for the open look.
My spouse, who hasn’t watched a minute of any Spurs sport this season (she’s a busy lady), seemed up proper when Dylan Harper threw this excellent lob to Wembanyama and mentioned, “Man, that was simple. How do you cease that?” Me, being my typical obnoxious self, tried to mansplain that properly really any lob thrown at Wemby appears excellent as a result of he has an 8-foot wingspan, which makes his catch radius actually insanely large.
She didn’t reply as a result of she was already trying again down at her laptop computer for work, proof against my long-winded rants.
It’s important to marvel, although, if any Joe might step on a courtroom and throw a lob to Wembanyama over different skilled basketball gamers and it might look as cool and on the dot as these alley oops.
I do know the Chris Paul/Blake Griffin period Los Angeles Clippers personal the Lob Metropolis moniker, however can we borrow it only for a second? Paul is a former Spur (as soon as a Spur . . . all the time a Spur) and Griffin is busy making humorous commercials with the nice Luis Guzmán—I’m certain they gained’t thoughts.
Stephon Citadel on this play seemed like he forgot how low the basket is when he jumps that top as a result of it seemed like he was on the apex of his hop when he realized that the rim was a full half foot decrease than he anticipated. Citadel and Fox, for his or her half, stored the Spurs offense shifting on Sunday evening, and we should always totally count on them to rack up much more assists between the 2 of them because the collection progress.
Citadel is aware of who he’s. He’s the dude enjoying a dude, disguised as a future All-Star.
Contemplating how younger these Spurs are, Devin Vassell is the wily vet making his personal playoff debut. He didn’t disappoint as he performed essentially the most minutes, was impactful on either side of the ball (2 blocks for good measure), and drained 4 3-pointers. On a balanced staff of unselfish gamers, being the fourth highest scorer is a luxurious the Spurs will recognize and use to their benefit.
In case you missed this factoid, Wembanyama had essentially the most factors in a Spurs playoff debut:
1. Victor Wembanyama – 35 (2026)2. Tim Duncan – 32 (1998 at Phoenix)
Perhaps if Timmay didn’t must be “pressured” into carrying his orange t-shirt on Sunday evening, his report would nonetheless be intact.
Discover how he was the final one in his part to placed on the shirt. It’s like that point Kramer wouldn’t put on the ribbon. Oh Timmay, you’re nonetheless my favourite participant of all time.
OK however David Robinson appears youthful than Duncan on this clip. You’d suppose Quantity 21 would bear in mind The Admiral’s recommendation to make use of Edge shave gel, not simply any ol’ shaving cream.
(word: Edge shave gel is just not a sponsor of Pounding the Rock. I identical to their previous industrial that includes Robinson and Duncan. However, in the event that they do wish to sponsor us, I’ll settle for H-E-B bucks and backyard gnomes as cost.)
For those who missed the sport since you had been too busy with wild horses dragging you away out of your tv, iPad (pill), or iPhone (smartphone) (critically, it’s the playoffs!) (however fellow Spurs followers perceive . . . type of), listed below are the full-game highlights:
Subsequent up, the Spurs hope to carry dwelling courtroom as they tackle the Portland Trailblazers in sport 2 on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
