Lakers Surge to 8th Straight Win, Spurs Clinch Playoff Spot

LeBron James ties record Lakers win 8th in row

Lakers climb to 3rd in Western Conference as LeBron James ties NBA record. Spurs secure playoff spot with Wembanyama's game-winner.

San Antonio Spurs qualify for playoffs with win over Suns. LA Lakers extend winning streak to 8 games...

The San Antonio Spurs have secured a playoff spot thanks to Victor Wembanyama's game-winning shot, defeating Phoenix 101-100. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak to eight games, beating the Miami Heat 134-126.

Luka Doncic dropped a stunning 60 points, while 41-year-old LeBron James achieved a triple-double with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. James also tied Robert Parish's record for most NBA regular-season games played with his 1,611th game.

Triple-double, yessir 🫡 pic.twitter.com/ACdIV4UQrk

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 20, 2026

The Lakers are on fire, climbing from sixth to third in the Western Conference! Meanwhile, San Antonio Spurs have secured their first playoff spot since 2019, joining Oklahoma City Thunder as the second team to clinch a playoff berth.

The Spurs were down by 10 with 4:50 left to play, but they're fighting hard to punch their playoff ticket. 

The Spurs were down by 5 with just 1:01 left, but Wembanyama's free throws and De'Aaron Fox's layup cut the deficit to 1. The Spurs' defense forced a timeout, and Wembanyama's foul on Rashee Fleming led to a crucial free throw opportunity... which Fleming missed.

The atmosphere at Frost Bank Center was electric as Wembanyama's basket over Oso Ighodaro swished through the net, sending the crowd wild!

“We haven't had a game like this in a while,” Wembanyama said, beaming with pride. “Feels good to know we've still got it.” He led the Spurs with 34 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.

Wembanyama was taking it easy, knowing the Spurs had clinched a playoff spot. The 22-year-old French star was savoring the moment, having led the team to their first postseason appearance since 2019.

“Of course the first instinct is to be proud of it and to love it because we're part of it,” he said. “But the key for me is to try to not care because we want to attack 82 games.

"I'm scared to become complacent.”

LeBron James made history in Miami, tying Robert Parish's record for most NBA regular-season games played with his 1,611th game. He's expected to surpass this record when the Lakers face the Orlando Magic on Saturday.

Yeahhhhh!! pic.twitter.com/qaOKV9qW2T

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 20, 2026

James and Luka Doncic were listed as “questionable” on the Lakers' injury report after arriving in Miami at 4:00 am, following their win in Houston. Despite the late arrival, James played and delivered an impressive performance, with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists.

Luka Doncic admitted, “I was tired,” after pouring in 20 points in the fourth quarter to seal the Lakers' win. It was a big effort from Doncic, who took the team to victory after they took their first lead of the game in the third quarter.

Luka Doncic and LeBron James were unstoppable. Doncic scored 60 points, connecting on 18 of 30 shots, including nine three-pointers - his second 50-plus point game of the season. James, meanwhile, was on fire early, making his first seven shots and only missing one until the final period.

LeBron James' latest masterpiece came in Miami, where he won two of his four NBA titles. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was full of praise for James' performance.

“He's not only competing against the entire league but also Father Time,” Spoelstra said. “And he's giving Father Time hell.”

Added Doncic: “The way he's playing it's incredible to watch.”

Jalen Duren dominated in Washington, scoring 24 points and grabbing 11 rebounds to lead Detroit to a 117-95 win over the Wizards. The Pistons got a much-needed boost, winning their first game since losing star Cade Cunningham for at least two weeks with a collapsed lung.