The Spurs are moving on in the playoffs and fans are keeping the enthusiasm alive.
SAN ANTONIO — The first series of the playoffs is in the books, and just like the Spurs brought the excitement to fans around the world, fans in the Alamo City brought the excitement to the streets after the final buzzer sounded Tuesday night.
It was San Antonio’s first playoff series victory since 2017, meaning that for nine long years, Spurs fans have been waiting to celebrate postseason triumph. With every new “BEEEEEEEP!” that blared out at downtown, along Southwest Military or at The Rock at La Cantera, it was clear the team’s faithful had been catching up after a yearslong playoff drought.
Of course, much if not most of the excitement unfolded along Commerce Street. Horns were honked, flags were waved and Silver & Black jerseys flowing in the midnight wind.
…along with the occasional neon-green head of an extraterrestrial.
“We got our first series victory in like ten years,” one fan said. “Everybody’s stoked out here, getting down, honking our horn. Let’s do it!”
“The excitement is in the air right now,” another fan proclaimed. “Pride for the city right now. It took us 10 long years, but we finally got here, baby. We’re going to get this. 2026 is our year!”
On the north side of town, fans didn’t hit the streets until after the game, but hundreds flocked to the lawn at The Rock At La Cantera. Fans there watched the big on the outdoor 40-foot screen—and some admitted they were a little nervous as Portland cut a 28-point lead to single-digits before San Antonio closed the door.
Honking was the celebration of choice outside the Frost Bank Center, too.
“Honking has been a huge tradition for the San Antonio Spurs ever since the last playoffs,” Darin Larson said. “My family’s been going for years. My parents used to do it when I was very little.”
When the Spurs traveled to the Pacific Northwest, Spurs fans flocked to the Moda Center to watch them take on the Trail Blazers. But Blazers fans also booked tickets to the Alamo City.
They were hoping to watch a comeback, but were sent home, disappointed.
Central to the excitement, of course, were the exploits of All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama. He’s also a top MVP contender.
“Wemby, he’s an alien (from) outer space,” Joseph Garcia said. “He’s going to get this. 2026 is his year, baby!”
No matter which Spurs player fans love, they’ll be loving and honking them on even more for at least the next couple of weeks. In the coming days, they team will learn whether it plays the Minnesota Timberwolves or the Denver Nuggets in the second round.