Jeff McDonald
@jmcdonaldsa.bsky.social
Spurs beat writer for the San Antonio Express-News. Live music and dead poets. Refugee from The Bad Place.
The Spurs emerge from the All-star break in the throes of a bona fide playoff race, with a chance to play meaningful basketball into the springtime and beyond.
Are they ready for what the next six weeks entail?
"Only one way to find out," says Victor Wembanyama
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
Are they ready for what the next six weeks entail?
"Only one way to find out," says Victor Wembanyama
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
Why the Spurs are in uncharted territory coming out of the All-Star break
For the first time in seven years, the San Antonio Spurs are poised to play meaningful basketball as NBA playoffs loom. Are they ready for it?
www.expressnews.com
February 18, 2026 at 9:18 PM
The Spurs emerge from the All-star break in the throes of a bona fide playoff race, with a chance to play meaningful basketball into the springtime and beyond.
Are they ready for what the next six weeks entail?
"Only one way to find out," says Victor Wembanyama
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
Are they ready for what the next six weeks entail?
"Only one way to find out," says Victor Wembanyama
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
You really have too much spare time.
The end of the Spurs’ bench now features four likable guys born in the 1990s who they hope not to play too much:
McLaughlin
Biyombo
Olynyk
Plumlee
You know another likable thing from the 1990s you wouldn’t want to play too much?
Mmm
B
O
P
McLaughlin
Biyombo
Olynyk
Plumlee
You know another likable thing from the 1990s you wouldn’t want to play too much?
Mmm
B
O
P
For the Spurs, Mason Plumlee is basically last year's Bismack Biyombo.
Which is interesting because last year's Bismack Biyombo is still on the roster
Which is interesting because last year's Bismack Biyombo is still on the roster
February 18, 2026 at 2:44 AM
You really have too much spare time.
For the Spurs, Mason Plumlee is basically last year's Bismack Biyombo.
Which is interesting because last year's Bismack Biyombo is still on the roster
Which is interesting because last year's Bismack Biyombo is still on the roster
February 18, 2026 at 1:58 AM
For the Spurs, Mason Plumlee is basically last year's Bismack Biyombo.
Which is interesting because last year's Bismack Biyombo is still on the roster
Which is interesting because last year's Bismack Biyombo is still on the roster
Reposted by Jeff McDonald
Seeking to add some beef to their frontcourt, the Spurs are signing free agent center Mason Plumlee to a 10-day contract, his agent Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports confirmed.
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
Spurs replace Jeremy Sochan with journeyman big man Mason Plumlee
The team adds some muscle to its frontcourt with the 7-foot, 254-pound, 13th-year pro.
www.expressnews.com
February 18, 2026 at 1:56 AM
Seeking to add some beef to their frontcourt, the Spurs are signing free agent center Mason Plumlee to a 10-day contract, his agent Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports confirmed.
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
Reposted by Jeff McDonald
The great Mike Monroe, who knew Doug Moe as well as any scribe ever did, had this obit in the can way back when he was still at the Express-News. Great stuff from him, and from Tom in keeping it up to date.
Doug Moe, who guided the Spurs to the brink of the NBA Finals in 1979 and ranks only behind Gregg Popovich in franchise history in games coached (377) and wins (177), died Tuesday after an illness. He was 87.
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
Doug Moe, who coached Spurs to brink of NBA finals in 1979, dies at 87
The colorful Moe ranks second in franchise history in career wins to Gregg Popovich.
www.expressnews.com
February 17, 2026 at 8:12 PM
The great Mike Monroe, who knew Doug Moe as well as any scribe ever did, had this obit in the can way back when he was still at the Express-News. Great stuff from him, and from Tom in keeping it up to date.
Not sure how curling works as a live sport, but on television it is an uncomfortable amount of eye contact
February 14, 2026 at 4:21 AM
Not sure how curling works as a live sport, but on television it is an uncomfortable amount of eye contact
Reposted by Jeff McDonald
The night before De’Aaron Fox became the Spurs’ second All-Star, he became their competitive conscience.
It had been a long time coming.
Talked to him in SF about why he warned the Spurs not become the team every opponent wants in the playoffs.
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
It had been a long time coming.
Talked to him in SF about why he warned the Spurs not become the team every opponent wants in the playoffs.
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
Why De’Aaron Fox issued Spurs a challenge before becoming an All-Star
With the Spurs struggling against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, Fox challenged their mental toughness, then earned his second All-Star nod.
www.expressnews.com
February 12, 2026 at 10:37 PM
The night before De’Aaron Fox became the Spurs’ second All-Star, he became their competitive conscience.
It had been a long time coming.
Talked to him in SF about why he warned the Spurs not become the team every opponent wants in the playoffs.
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
It had been a long time coming.
Talked to him in SF about why he warned the Spurs not become the team every opponent wants in the playoffs.
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
It appears Jeremy Sochan has a new destination lined up ... with a reunion on tap with his now former team looming in March
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
Mitch Johnson explains why the Spurs parted ways with Jeremy Sochan
The 22-year-old Sochan is expected to sign with New York, per a report
www.expressnews.com
February 12, 2026 at 8:13 PM
It appears Jeremy Sochan has a new destination lined up ... with a reunion on tap with his now former team looming in March
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
Reposted by Jeff McDonald
The (All-Star breaking) triple take: Spurs 126, 113
1. An All-Star snub (of sorts), Fox turns in All-Star worthy performance
2. Castle gutted it up and played. Maybe he shouldn't have?
3. Bidding goodbye to Jeremy Sochan
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs... via @expressnews
1. An All-Star snub (of sorts), Fox turns in All-Star worthy performance
2. Castle gutted it up and played. Maybe he shouldn't have?
3. Bidding goodbye to Jeremy Sochan
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs... via @expressnews
3 takeaways as Spurs rally past Warriors, head into break on a roll
De'Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama combined for 53 points as the San Antonio Spurs rallied to beat the Golden State with a dominant fourth quarter.
www.expressnews.com
February 12, 2026 at 7:34 AM
The (All-Star breaking) triple take: Spurs 126, 113
1. An All-Star snub (of sorts), Fox turns in All-Star worthy performance
2. Castle gutted it up and played. Maybe he shouldn't have?
3. Bidding goodbye to Jeremy Sochan
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs... via @expressnews
1. An All-Star snub (of sorts), Fox turns in All-Star worthy performance
2. Castle gutted it up and played. Maybe he shouldn't have?
3. Bidding goodbye to Jeremy Sochan
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs... via @expressnews
The (All-Star breaking) triple take: Spurs 126, 113
1. An All-Star snub (of sorts), Fox turns in All-Star worthy performance
2. Castle gutted it up and played. Maybe he shouldn't have?
3. Bidding goodbye to Jeremy Sochan
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs... via @expressnews
1. An All-Star snub (of sorts), Fox turns in All-Star worthy performance
2. Castle gutted it up and played. Maybe he shouldn't have?
3. Bidding goodbye to Jeremy Sochan
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs... via @expressnews
3 takeaways as Spurs rally past Warriors, head into break on a roll
De'Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama combined for 53 points as the San Antonio Spurs rallied to beat the Golden State with a dominant fourth quarter.
www.expressnews.com
February 12, 2026 at 7:34 AM
The (All-Star breaking) triple take: Spurs 126, 113
1. An All-Star snub (of sorts), Fox turns in All-Star worthy performance
2. Castle gutted it up and played. Maybe he shouldn't have?
3. Bidding goodbye to Jeremy Sochan
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs... via @expressnews
1. An All-Star snub (of sorts), Fox turns in All-Star worthy performance
2. Castle gutted it up and played. Maybe he shouldn't have?
3. Bidding goodbye to Jeremy Sochan
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs... via @expressnews
Down 16 in the third, the Spurs -- who some idiot said weren't going to get it together -- finish the frame on a 24-8 run.
Score is tied at 94 headed to the fourth at the Chase Center.
Score is tied at 94 headed to the fourth at the Chase Center.
February 12, 2026 at 5:06 AM
Down 16 in the third, the Spurs -- who some idiot said weren't going to get it together -- finish the frame on a 24-8 run.
Score is tied at 94 headed to the fourth at the Chase Center.
Score is tied at 94 headed to the fourth at the Chase Center.
On cue, the local cagers have gotten it together
I'm not sure the local cagers are gonna get it together tonight.
February 12, 2026 at 5:05 AM
On cue, the local cagers have gotten it together
I'm not sure the local cagers are gonna get it together tonight.
February 12, 2026 at 4:51 AM
I'm not sure the local cagers are gonna get it together tonight.
There was a lot not to like about how the Spurs played that first half, yet they trail only 67-63 at the break.
Fox with 14 to lead the Spurs. Wemby with 13.
Fox with 14 to lead the Spurs. Wemby with 13.
February 12, 2026 at 4:17 AM
There was a lot not to like about how the Spurs played that first half, yet they trail only 67-63 at the break.
Fox with 14 to lead the Spurs. Wemby with 13.
Fox with 14 to lead the Spurs. Wemby with 13.
Really is one of those games (TM)
Good teams can struggle in these situations. Great teams figure it out anyway.
Good teams can struggle in these situations. Great teams figure it out anyway.
This feels like a low energy on a back to back and final game before All-Star break. Hopefully they can come out better in the 2nd half
February 12, 2026 at 4:01 AM
Really is one of those games (TM)
Good teams can struggle in these situations. Great teams figure it out anyway.
Good teams can struggle in these situations. Great teams figure it out anyway.
Spurs are gonna have a little trouble in this one if they refuse to ever get stops.
February 12, 2026 at 3:57 AM
Spurs are gonna have a little trouble in this one if they refuse to ever get stops.
Not the most inspired defensive 1Q from the local cagers. Curry-less Warriors shooting 57%, pretty much getting what they want.
Spurs lucky to only be down 38-31.
Spurs lucky to only be down 38-31.
February 12, 2026 at 3:37 AM
Not the most inspired defensive 1Q from the local cagers. Curry-less Warriors shooting 57%, pretty much getting what they want.
Spurs lucky to only be down 38-31.
Spurs lucky to only be down 38-31.
Spurs: Fox, Castle, Vassell, Champagnie, Wembanyama
Warriors: Spencer, Melton, Moody, Santos, Green
Warriors: Spencer, Melton, Moody, Santos, Green
February 12, 2026 at 2:54 AM
Spurs: Fox, Castle, Vassell, Champagnie, Wembanyama
Warriors: Spencer, Melton, Moody, Santos, Green
Warriors: Spencer, Melton, Moody, Santos, Green
Stephon Castle is available tonight at GSW.
Pretty surprising given the nastiness of the spill he took last night in LA
Pretty surprising given the nastiness of the spill he took last night in LA
February 12, 2026 at 2:05 AM
Stephon Castle is available tonight at GSW.
Pretty surprising given the nastiness of the spill he took last night in LA
Pretty surprising given the nastiness of the spill he took last night in LA
It sounds like Steph Castle is going to try and play tonight at GSW.
He'll go through warm-ups and a decision will come then, per Mitch Johnson.
He'll go through warm-ups and a decision will come then, per Mitch Johnson.
February 12, 2026 at 1:34 AM
It sounds like Steph Castle is going to try and play tonight at GSW.
He'll go through warm-ups and a decision will come then, per Mitch Johnson.
He'll go through warm-ups and a decision will come then, per Mitch Johnson.
Reposted by Jeff McDonald
Between the Spurs and Lakers combined, 27 players suited up for a game the Spurs led by as many as 41 points. The only man in uniform who didn’t play a single minute was Sochan.
Why Sochan's tenure with the Spurs came to an end
Between the Spurs and Lakers combined, 27 players suited up for a game the Spurs led by as many as 41 points. The only man in uniform who didn’t play a single minute was Sochan.
bit.ly
February 11, 2026 at 11:00 PM
Between the Spurs and Lakers combined, 27 players suited up for a game the Spurs led by as many as 41 points. The only man in uniform who didn’t play a single minute was Sochan.
Reposted by Jeff McDonald
Because, of course, filed this before my plane took off and then got text about Sochan’s release. Can’t say we didn’t see this coming.
27 players suited up for what turned into a Spurs rout in LA on Tuesday. Only one didn’t get into the game.
Caught up with Jeremy Sochan, who made it through the trade deadline but still might not be part of the Spurs’ future.
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
Caught up with Jeremy Sochan, who made it through the trade deadline but still might not be part of the Spurs’ future.
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
At end of the bench, does Jeremy Sochan have future with Spurs?
Between the two teams combined, 27 players suited up for a game the Spurs led by as many as 41 points. The only man in uniform who didn’t play a single minute was Sochan.
www.expressnews.com
February 11, 2026 at 9:44 PM
Because, of course, filed this before my plane took off and then got text about Sochan’s release. Can’t say we didn’t see this coming.
Reposted by Jeff McDonald
Spurs have waived Jeremy Sochan after a deal failed to get done at the deadline. As customary, they tried to find him a spot favorable to the player.
February 11, 2026 at 9:55 PM
Spurs have waived Jeremy Sochan after a deal failed to get done at the deadline. As customary, they tried to find him a spot favorable to the player.
February 11, 2026 at 9:18 PM
Reposted by Jeff McDonald
27 players suited up for what turned into a Spurs rout in LA on Tuesday. Only one didn’t get into the game.
Caught up with Jeremy Sochan, who made it through the trade deadline but still might not be part of the Spurs’ future.
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
Caught up with Jeremy Sochan, who made it through the trade deadline but still might not be part of the Spurs’ future.
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
At end of the bench, does Jeremy Sochan have future with Spurs?
Between the two teams combined, 27 players suited up for a game the Spurs led by as many as 41 points. The only man in uniform who didn’t play a single minute was Sochan.
www.expressnews.com
February 11, 2026 at 9:02 PM
27 players suited up for what turned into a Spurs rout in LA on Tuesday. Only one didn’t get into the game.
Caught up with Jeremy Sochan, who made it through the trade deadline but still might not be part of the Spurs’ future.
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
Caught up with Jeremy Sochan, who made it through the trade deadline but still might not be part of the Spurs’ future.
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...