標籤: locked

The San Antonio Spurs earned their 51st win of the season, defeating the Sacramento Kings 132–104. Victor Wembanyama says achieving his first 50-win season in almost a decade is a feat that has been more than a year in the making.

“I look back and think, ‘I hope we can be locked in like this for all of the upcoming offseason,’ because it was a high level of preparation mentally, physically for everybody; the amount of film we did. And that’s why we were so prepared for the season. So, that’s what I think when I look back.”

San Antonio entered the year with a 34–48 campaign, following a 22–60 mark in Wembley’s rookie season. While this provides a context for what could prove to be a very impressive 2025-2026, it reaches the minimum expectation for generational talent.

“One thing you can say is take each step at a time and validate the boxes checked. My goal was never to make the play-ins or win the play-ins. It was to go to the playoffs without question and that would have been a successful season at that point,” the Spurs’ leading scorer said after the win against the Los Angeles Clippers the night before.

At just 22 years old, Vembanyama displayed wisdom beyond his years. It’s been this way since he entered the NBA at the age of 19. And it’s a gift that he went home after the win in LA.

“It’s always difficult to look at a season as a whole. We can look at the season as our worst at the end of 2025 or as our best right now in the month of February.”

After a stint in which they won 11 of 12 games, including three against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Spurs lost consecutive home games to the Utah Jazz and then-struggling Cleveland Cavaliers team. A week later, they again lost consecutive games, this time to the Portland Trail Blazers and Memphis Grizzlies, who were in 10th and 11th place in the Western Conference standings by mid-March.

In contrast, San Antonio did not lose in February and recently lost only one game at a home field filled with postseason contenders, including some of the league’s best players. And that loss came to the Denver Nuggets without Wembanyama.

Spurs resume makes history with 50+ wins

Before this season, the last time the Silver and Black had 50 wins was in 2016–17 when they won 61 and reached the Western Conference Finals. That run, which ended in a 4–1 series loss to the eventual champion Golden State Warriors after Kawhi Leonard re-aggravated an ankle injury, marked the franchise’s 20th consecutive win of 50+ (or the equivalent – ​​37 in strike short ’99).

The Spurs are 51-18 after a 132-104 loss in Sacramento.

“It’s very possible that these last 14 games have been satisfactory. Or not. That’s why we have to take each step at a time,” Wembanyama said after the aforementioned win over the Clippers.

“Although the season will be somewhat successful when viewed overall, we still have (13) games left.”

The truth is that Wembanyama and the Spurs look set to play even better with 13 games left in the regular season.

Newcastle United moved one step closer to the Champions League knockout rounds this week, and Joelinton made sure his return did not go unnoticed.

The Brazilian midfielder scored in Tuesday’s 3-2 win over Qarabag in the play-off, a result that sealed Newcastle’s place in the last 16. This was a timely contribution. Joelinton missed six matches due to an adductor injury and recently returned to action.

Talking to Brazilian outlets globo esporteHe explained how important the goal felt after being sidelined for weeks.

“This is a very important goal for me, a goal that gives me even more confidence in my return after injury,” He said. “I was out for a while and that’s bad for any player, so it was a complicated moment. I had to work on my mentality and focus on getting back to the best level.”

How confidence is returning at a crucial juncture

Joelinton’s statistics this season underline his importance to Eddie Howe’s team. He has made 32 appearances in all competitions and scored six goals – two in the Premier League, two in the League Cup and two in the Champions League.

However, a recent injury disrupted his form at a crucial point in the campaign. Newcastle United are fighting on multiple fronts, and his physical presence in midfield is central to their balance.

Therefore the timing of his return matters. Newcastle are now waiting to know whether they will face Chelsea or Barcelona in the last 16 of the Champions League. The draw will take place on Friday.

world cup inspiration in the background

There is also a personal motive driving him in the final months of the season.

Joelinton’s last Brazil call-up came in October 2025, when Carlo Ancelotti selected him for friendlies against South Korea and Japan. Since then, he has not featured for the national team.

He admitted that he was aware that the chances were diminishing ahead of the World Cup.

“I know we are in the final stages of call-ups for the World Cup and I have a dream to be there, to wear the Brazil shirt and represent my country. So I know everything I do at the club can reflect that. To maintain a high level of performance, I focus on giving my best every day in training and in matches.” He concluded.

That new focus is good news for Newcastle United. Fully fit and motivated, Joelinton raises the level of the team, and of course he wants to deliver. If he can maintain this form throughout the tournament, it will not only boost his European ambitions but also strengthen his case for a return to the Brazil team.