Spurs vs. Kings recap, reactions: A playoff relief

The San Antonio Spurs fought their way into the playoffs against the Sacramento Kings.

The San Antonio Spurs were forced into a must-win situation against the Sacramento Kings. After losing back-to-back games to the Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers, followed by a win over the Portland Trail Blazers, the Silver and Black needed a win to get into the playoffs. Other scenarios were possible, but a victory would be the safest direction for this team.

Well, for about half of this game, the Spurs struggled against the Kings and seemed to have their chances dim for the night. That was behind Willie Cauley-Stein (25 points, 10 rebounds) and De’Aaron Fox (21 points, 7 assists), two of the organization’s bright spots. They each finished in double-digit point totals and contributed towards the nine-point lead at the half.

However, the second half of the game was all San Antonio. Maybe not the third quarter, as the teams combined to score just 34 points, but the Spurs managed 38 points to Sacramento’s 19 and won by 13 points, 98-85. This officially got them a spot in the 2018 postseason, narrowly escaping the end of a 21-year playoff streak.

It was an all-around team effort, too. Five players scored in double digits, as Rudy Gay‘s 18 points led the way, along with Manu Ginobili‘s 17, LaMarcus Aldridge‘s 15, Patty Mills‘ 15 and Bryn Forbes‘ 11. This was the second consecutive game that Ginobili turned back the clock, as he also added 6 rebounds and 5 assists in the winning effort.

Rudy hits this jumper to end the 3rd, give him 1️⃣2️⃣ points off the bench #GoSpursGo pic.twitter.com/IWB2Mqs2Ln

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) April 10, 2018

The playoff pressure is officially over. However, this did not make it solved. A postseason seed must officially be determined, something that might not receive confirmation until after the Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans go head-to-head on Wednesday, April 11. They can go as high as No. 4 and as low as No. 8, with other Western Conference teams floating around and waiting for their official fates, too.

The Drive.The Dunk.#GoSpursGo pic.twitter.com/5EiW907jFp

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) April 10, 2018

Spurs Win!! pic.twitter.com/D3qaeZy3Yc

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) April 10, 2018

Next: Top 25 players in Spurs history

The season finale takes place on Wednesday vs. New Orleans. Gametime is at 8:00 p.m. ET at the Smoothie King Center.