Spurs took Kings seriously and it showed

Originally posted on Hoops Wire | By Sam Amico | Last updated Feb 22, 2026 3:49 AM ET

Spurs coach Mitch Johnson tried to head it off before it started.

The Kings came in banged up and riding a brutal losing streak, the kind of setup that can flatten a team that thinks it already won. Johnson was not interested in that.

He reminded his group that talent eventually shows up, even when the results haven’t. The Spurs listened.

San Antonio jumped Sacramento early and never really let the night drift into anything uncomfortable.

Victor Wembanyama did what stars do in games like this. He dominated without forcing it, piling up 28 points and a double-double as the Spurs rolled to a 139-122 home win and their eighth straight.

VICTOR GOING CRAZY pic.twitter.com/Lh39GVVmp1

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) February 22, 2026

The Kings made a push, as teams with pride tend to do. DeMar DeRozan and Keegan Murray kept things competitive for stretches, especially when Wembanyama was on the bench. It didn’t last.

Once San Antonio settled back in, the gap widened. Harrison Barnes knocked down a late third-quarter three that pushed the lead into double digits, and the game slowly tilted into maintenance mode. Wembanyama’s fourth-quarter windmill just made it official.

By the midway point of the final period, both benches were emptying. The Spurs were locking in their eighth straight win and crossing a quiet milestone at 40 wins before 20 losses.

SWIPA NO SWIPING

@KENS5 pic.twitter.com/pBxIU8nS8D

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) February 22, 2026

The Kings were staring at another long night and another reminder that rebuilding seasons test everyone involved.

For San Antonio, this was about professionalism and momentum. The postseason is coming, and the Spurs are treating every night like it matters. Games like this are how you build habits, not headlines.

Next up is Detroit, a very different problem. No warning required.

This article first appeared on Hoops Wire and was syndicated with permission.

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