As the San Antonio Spurs prepared for their recent game, only two Western Conference teams remained undefeated by them this season: the Los Angeles Clippers, whom they have yet to face, and the Phoenix Suns. Before the matchup in Austin, Texas, Devin Vassell acknowledged the Spurs’ 0-2 record against the Suns this year, stating,
“We’re 0-2 against them, so owe them.”
The Spurs entered this phase of the season with one of the strongest records in the West, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder, who opened 24-1. Despite beating the reigning champions four times, San Antonio had yet to defeat Phoenix, a team well-positioned for the playoffs.
Vassell expressed anticipation before the game, emphasizing the Suns’ quality:
“…They’re still a really good team. We’re 0-2 against them, so owe them. Excited for this match-up, truthfully,”
highlighting the competitive challenge ahead without Dillon Brooks, the Suns’ suspended guard.
Spurs Face Challenges as Suns Miss Key Players
While the Spurs entered their meeting with the Suns at full strength, Phoenix was hindered by the absence of Dillon Brooks due to a league suspension. The situation worsened when Devin Booker, a crucial guard for Phoenix, left early in the Spurs’ 121-94 victory owing to hip soreness. Vassell admitted the significant impact of Brooks’ absence:
“We know the type of energy, defense, and intensity that [Dillon Brooks] brings,”
before reaffirming his respect for the Suns’ overall capability:
“They’re still a really good team.”
San Antonio’s Earlier Losses to Phoenix Set the Stage
The Spurs’ first defeat of the season came on the road against the Suns. At that point, San Antonio was off to a historic 5-0 start but was missing De’Aaron Fox and lost Dylan Harper to injury during the game. Phoenix surged ahead early with a seven-point lead after the first quarter and maintained control to secure a 130-118 win. After dropping another game to the Los Angeles Lakers three nights later, the Spurs recovered, stringing together three consecutive victories that established their momentum.
On November 23, San Antonio returned to Arizona lacking the services of Dylan Harper, still sidelined with a strained calf, and their young stars Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, both dealing with injuries from the prior week. Despite this, Fox was back on the court. The Suns, led by Dillon Brooks’ 25 points and Booker’s 24, defeated the Spurs 111-102, extending Phoenix’s upper hand over San Antonio that season.
Home Games in Austin Mark a Unique Period for the Spurs
The Spurs’ recent matchup with the Suns was part of the Rodeo Road Trip but also represented a shift from their usual schedule, as San Antonio played two home games in Austin, Texas, under a special agreement with the city and the University of Texas. The Spurs leveraged their opportunity, handing Phoenix a decisive defeat that marked San Antonio’s seventh consecutive win, the longest active streak of the season, especially considering an earlier sequence that included an NBA Cup Final loss to the New York Knicks.
Despite this breakthrough against Phoenix, the Clippers remain the only Western Conference team the Spurs have not yet beaten this year, with their first chance to face Los Angeles scheduled for March 6.
Significance of the Spurs’ Upcoming Matches
Devin Vassell’s remarks before the games underline the Spurs’ determination to reverse their fortunes against strong Western rivals like the Suns. Continuing to secure victories while navigating injuries and suspensions will be critical as San Antonio seeks to maintain its standing in the playoff race. The upcoming encounters, particularly against the Clippers in March, will test the Spurs’ resilience and ability to compete against the conference’s elite teams. With contributions from key players like Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox, the Spurs aim to translate their potential into sustained success as the season progresses.
"…They're still a really good team. We're 0-2 against them. so owe them. Excited for this match-up, truthfully"⬇️
-Devin Vassell on tonight vs Suns w/o Dillon Brooks in Austin
Phoenix is only West team #Spurs have played, but haven't beaten this season#PorVida #GoSpursGo pic.twitter.com/yeQ6k4OpCg
— Hector Ledesma (@HectorLedesmaTV) February 19, 2026
