SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Spurs secured a decisive victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, triumphing 111–98 in the first game of their playoff series. Inside the Frost Bank Center, the atmosphere buzzed long before tip-off, with various elements contributing to an unforgettable night for fans and players alike.
>> Wembanyama scores 35 points in playoff debut as Spurs roll past Trail Blazers 111-98
Here’s what you may have missed in last night’s late game:
‘Wear your shirt’
A significant aspect of the evening was the coordinated effort to energize the crowd. The Spurs placed Fiesta-colored T-shirts on every seat, encouraging fans to don them. By game time, the arena transformed into a vibrant sea of pink, teal, and orange, paying homage to the franchise’s iconic color scheme and Fiesta traditions.
In a post-game press conference, Spurs star Victor Wembanyama expressed his delight at seeing so many fans wearing the colorful shirts. “I love the animation… you should absolutely wear your shirt if you’re coming to the game,” he remarked.
Spurs legends in the house
The night also featured a subtle yet impactful homage to Spurs history, with legends Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan, and David Robinson in attendance. Although there wasn’t an extended ceremony, their presence resonated with fans and players alike. A playful Instagram video captured “The Admiral” giving Duncan bunny ears while they were featured on the big screen.
“These two,” the caption read, accompanied by a laughing face emoji.
Game day drip
Prior to the game, the Spurs players made a statement with their arrival attire. The entire team entered the arena dressed in black suits, exuding a professional demeanor. “Men in Black,” the Spurs posted on Instagram. The NBA’s social media echoed the sentiment, noting, “Everyone dressed for the occasion in San Antonio.”
Let’s go honking
“Go Spurs Go!” resonated through downtown San Antonio as fans celebrated a significant milestone for the franchise. This victory marked the Spurs’ first playoff win since 2019, prompting supporters to flood the streets in exuberance immediately after the final buzzer. Fans traditionally honk their horns and fill downtown roads following major wins, and this night was no different.
The Spurs underscored the excitement with a pregame pep rally at Hemisfair, providing fans an additional reason to believe something special might be brewing this postseason.
Spurs win freebies
The enthusiasm from the Spurs’ victory extended beyond the arena, spilling into various local businesses offering delightful deals on Monday morning. In Southtown, Eight-Ball Coffee kept the momentum alive by providing free drip coffee from 8-10 a.m. after every Spurs win, ensuring fans can continue celebrating while enjoying their caffeine fix.
Taco Palenque also joined the festivities, announcing they would distribute free potato and egg as well as bean and cheese tacos after every victory, available from 6-9 a.m. at all San Antonio locations. For those with a sweet tooth, La Panadería offered a free concha to the first 50 customers at each location following every Spurs win.
