As the San Antonio Spurs geared up for their latest clash, they had a point to prove against a couple of Western Conference powerhouses. While they haven't yet faced the Los Angeles Clippers, the Phoenix Suns were a different story. Devin Vassell and the Spurs were eager to settle the score after dropping their first two encounters with Phoenix.
"We're 0-2 against them, so we owe them," Vassell remarked before their showdown in Austin, Texas.
The Spurs have been riding high, boasting the second-best record in the West post-All-Star break. They're nipping at the heels of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who kicked off their season with an impressive 24-1 run. Despite San Antonio's dominance over the defending champions, the Suns had remained a thorn in their side, firmly entrenched in the playoff race.
"Excited for this match-up, truthfully," Vassell added, setting the stage for their latest encounter.
San Antonio came into the game at full strength, unlike the Suns, who were missing key guard Dillon Brooks due to a suspension. To make matters worse for Phoenix, star guard Devin Booker had to exit early with hip soreness during the Spurs' commanding 121-94 victory.
"We know the type of energy, defense, and intensity that [Dillon Brooks] brings," Vassell acknowledged before the game. "They're still a really good team."
"...They're still a really good team. We're 0-2 against them. so owe them. Excited for this match-up, truthfully"⬇️
— Hector Ledesma (@HectorLedesmaTV) February 19, 2026
-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
The Spurs' first stumble this season was against Phoenix. Riding high at 5-0 for the first time in franchise history, they faced a tough outing without De'Aaron Fox and lost Dylan Harper mid-game. The Suns capitalized, taking an early lead and maintaining it throughout, ultimately securing a 130-118 win.
San Antonio faced another setback against the Lakers shortly after but bounced back with three consecutive wins, setting the tone for their impressive season.
On November 23, the Spurs returned to Arizona. Still without Harper, who was nursing a calf strain, they welcomed back Fox but missed the talents of Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle due to injuries. Led by Brooks' 25 and Booker's 24 points, the Suns clinched a 111-102 victory.
Their latest meeting marked a bit of a twist in the Spurs' Rodeo Road Trip, with games in Austin as part of an agreement to play two home games in the state's capital.
The win against Phoenix marked the Spurs' seventh straight victory, extending their longest streak of the season, discounting a previous eight-game run that included a loss to the Knicks in the NBA Cup Final.
The Clippers remain the lone Western team the Spurs have yet to conquer, with their first showdown set for March 6.