Perhaps the most talented rising team in the National Basketball Association, Victor Wembanyama & the Spurs took huge strides towards the Finals on Friday night
By Gabriel Esparza | May 16, 2026
This San Antonio team managed to close out a series on the road.
This effort came against a more veteran and cohesive opponent in Minnesota, a team that had been looking to take the next step after seeing some postseason success with this current nucleus being kept relatively together. It was, however, the Spurs that found a way to not only advance but to truly look like the significantly better team throughout the series. San Antonio took the clincher, 139-109, behind Stephon Castle’s 32 points to finish off the second-round series in six games.
There is one aspect that will be long lost to an asterisk in the history books. If it were not for Victor Wembanyama missing significant time, it would be fairly easy to conclude that San Antonio would have been able to sweep Minnesota. Or, they would have at least been able to wrap things up in Game 5.
Instead, a head injury and an incident in which the French superstar felt the need to take matters into his own hands artificially extended the series. It is still known, though, that the Spurs are not only the better of the two teams, but that they will also be true contenders for a long time to come in the conference.
This coach Mitch Johnson group showed excellent poise and togetherness that most strive for, even after years of playing together. The scary aspect is that this youthful roster is only now starting to scratch the surface.
An upcoming clash against the Oklahoma City Thunder is approaching.
Regardless of what happens in that series, it cannot be forgotten how successful this year has been for San Antonio, nor the extent to which they are clearly ahead of schedule.
There would be few who would fault this team for losing to OKC. If Wembanyama, however, has his way, he will single-handedly ensure that this current San Antonio playoff run continues through to the Final.
Gabriel Esparza joined The Sidearmer with over six years of sports writing experience. From American football to basketball, to soccer, and to the UFC, he tries to find interesting stories throughout the world of sports. When he is not watching games, he is likely enjoying good music or catching up on some TV shows.