Victor Wembanyama, Spurs Clinch No. 2 in West

San Antonio locked up a top-2 finish in the Western Conference after a 127-95 win over Milwaukee, a result that also eliminated the Bucks from playoff contention. The Spurs sit eight games clear of the Lakers at No. 3 and are two games behind Oklahoma City, with the head-to-head tiebreaker in hand. Victor Wembanyama has driven the turnaround, averaging 24.2 points, 11.2 rebounds and a league-leading 3.1 blocks, while De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and young role players have supplied balance. The Spurs will make their first playoffs since 2019. Merlin sees a swift reversal of fortunes. After a 34-48 season, San Antonio blends star-level defense and youthful depth, and Wembanyama’s health and MVP buzz change opponents’ game plans. The Spurs are no longer a surprise. They are a threat.