Wembanyama’s Buzzer-Beater Sends Spurs to Playoffs | Spurs vs Suns Recap

Victor Wembanyama secured a playoff berth for the San Antonio Spurs with a game-winning 17-foot jumper with one second remaining against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night, lifting the Spurs to a 101-100 victory. The win ended a six-season playoff drought for San Antonio and guaranteed a top-six finish in the Western Conference.

Wembanyama finished with 34 points and 12 rebounds, leading all scorers. De’Aaron Fox added 23 points and seven rebounds for the Spurs, who rallied from 10 points down in the final five minutes. The Spurs’ comeback was fueled by a late defensive stand and timely scoring, culminating in Wembanyama’s clutch shot over Oso Ighodaro.

The Suns, playing without a fully healthy roster, were led by Collin Gillespie, who scored 24 points, including six three-pointers. Devin Booker contributed 22 points for Phoenix. Despite Gillespie’s hot shooting early in the game and Booker’s efforts throughout, the Suns faltered down the stretch, missing crucial free throws that ultimately proved decisive.

The game remained tight throughout the second half, with several lead changes. A 19-11 run by the Spurs in the third quarter briefly gave them the advantage, but Booker responded with seven consecutive points to regain the lead for Phoenix. The Suns held a narrow lead in the final minute, but Fox’s layup and Wembanyama’s free throws brought the Spurs within striking distance.

With 26.6 seconds left, Fox cut the Suns’ lead to 100-99. A subsequent timeout called by Suns coach Jordan Ott was followed by a defensive trap by Fox and Dylan Harper, forcing a turnover and a foul on Rasheer Fleming. Fleming missed both free throws, setting the stage for Wembanyama’s winning shot.

Spurs guard Stephon Castle was unavailable for the game due to tightness in his right hip, impacting San Antonio’s defensive capabilities. The Suns, completing a six-game road trip with a 2-4 record, will return home to host the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night.

The Spurs’ victory marks their first playoff appearance since the 2018-19 season, a significant milestone for the franchise as it navigates a new era following the departure of longtime coach Gregg Popovich. The team celebrated the win with an impromptu “M-V-P” chant for Wembanyama led by teammate Keldon Johnson.