Victor Wembanyama delivered the dagger with a fadeaway jumper over Oso Ighodaro in the final second, lifting the San Antonio Spurs to a 101-100 victory over the Phoenix Suns and ending their six-year playoff drought. The 7-foot-4 French star scored 34 points with 12 rebounds and three steals in the crucial win.

San Antonio became the second team to clinch a postseason berth this season, joining Oklahoma City. Wembanyama's game-winner came after missing five previous attempts in similar situations, according to ESPN Research. The Spurs have gone 20-2 since February 1st, the NBA's best record over that stretch.

In a game featuring six lead changes, San Antonio trailed most of the way before mounting a 16-5 closing run. Point guard De'Aaron Fox orchestrated the final possession, positioning Devin Vassell in the corner to prevent defensive help. Wembanyama credited Fox for anticipating the defense's approach. The victory marks San Antonio's first playoff appearance since 2019 and represents the franchise's longest postseason absence in its history.