A dark cloud lingered around Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City. With the San Antonio Spurs up 1-0 after a historic night featuring Victor Wembanyama’s 41 points, 24 rebounds, and 49 minutes played, there was a vibration in our city that hasn’t been felt in a long time. The possibility of the Spurs going up 2-0 against the defending champs had Spurs fans on the edge of their seats.
Wednesday’s game proved to be a sight for sore eyes for San Antonio. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was crowned league MVP for the second straight year on Monday, dominated with thirty points, nine rebounds, four assists, and shooting 50% from the field. In comparison, Alex Caruso added 17 points, three rebounds, and five assists. Together, they led the Thunder to a 122-113 victory, forcing the Spurs into 21 turnovers.
But even after a loss, die-hard Spurs fans stand with their team, and on Wednesday night, a few dozen fans waited at San Antonio International Airport to welcome their Spurs home. This is a long-standing tradition dating back to the early 2000s. When the Spurs come home after a road trip, win or lose, the fans are right there waiting for their team into the night. The most recent greeting was Victor Wembanyama’s rookie season; thousands showed up to greet the 7-foot-4-inch rookie. Social media outlets like Instagram, Facebook, and Reddit often share the team’s arrival time, prompting fans to line up to meet the team.
At half past midnight, Daniel Arenas, a lifelong Spurs fan, was at the airport with his 13-year-old sister and 9-year-old brother.
“I remember coming out here at their age, going honking after the wins… just being able to share that with them, it’s really special,” Arenas said. “It just shows that it’s tradition, and it’s gonna just keep on as long as we keep it going.”
The tradition mirrors the commitment the Spurs organization is pushing out, with the team and fans putting the league on notice that they are a dominant force in the West. Newcomer coach Mitch Johnson is keeping the Spurs’ coaching abilities and mentality alive and well, following the footsteps of Hall of Fame coach, Gregg Popovich.
”Mitch is the coach. Mitch has been doing a great job this whole year,” Spurs fan Ernesto Barbosa said. “For us to come back and have 60-plus wins is an amazing job for a coach to bounce back from last year … They’re gonna trust each other. That’s how I believe the Spurs are gonna come and win.”
There is a feeling in the air that the Spurs are finally back, and things are returning to normal for a long-time championship-contending city.
“It’s changed over the years, you know, losing the Big Three … But right now, our team’s young. It’s strong. And I think the city is kind of finding its footing again,” Arenas said. “In a way, falling in love with basketball again.”
The team ran late due to weather, pushing their expected 12:30 a.m. arrival back to 1:40 a.m. Despite the delay, fans kept showing up to the airport, trying to catch a glimpse of their hometown team to give them a nod or, if they got lucky, a high-five. For these fans, this tradition is how you show “family,’ because family has your back, win or lose.
