Spurs playoff energy is back in San Antonio

The big picture: A winning Spurs team ripples across San Antonio, boosting local businesses and the city's national spotlight.

Catch up quick: It's been a monumental season for the Spurs, following a year marked by health scares for star Victor Wembanyama and longtime coach Gregg Popovich, who ultimately retired.

• Led by Wembanyama, Devin Vassell and a deep roster with contributions from De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Julian Champagnie, the Spurs went undefeated in February before losing just one game during the notoriously tough Rodeo Road Trip.
• They're currently No. 2 in the Western Conference.

State of play: A Spurs spokesperson tells Axios every home game has sold out this season, with even more interest after the Rodeo Road Trip. Even standing-room-only tickets have sold out or nearly sold out every game.

By the numbers: A StubHub spokesperson tells Axios that Spurs-related searches are up 40%–80% over last season, with peak interest from October through December and a level that has stayed elevated into March.

• On Vivid Seats, compared with the team's first 12 games, average ticket prices have been more than 25% higher since Feb. 1, a spokesperson tells Axios.

The vibe: The Spurs say fans can expect a mix of old and new traditions as the playoffs begin next month, with citywide watch parties, giveaways and activations ramping up.

Zoom out: At places like The Friendly Spot and Bruno's Dive Bar, owner Jody Bailey Newman says the buzz is building.

• She remembers the packed crowds of the Big Three era and says that same vibe is returning, with fans showing up energized even for regular-season games.
• "They're different stars, but [it's the] same Spurs swagger and energy," she says. "It feels great — new, yet familiar."

The bottom line: The good old days of Spurs playoff basketball are back, and so is the citywide energy that comes with it.