Spurs clinch 21st consecutive playoff berth with win over Kings

The San Antonio Spurs clinched a playoff spot for the 21st consecutive season Monday with a 98-85 victory over the Sacramento Kings, a mark that ties them with the Portland Trail Blazers' run from 1982-2003 for the second-longest postseason streak in NBA history.

The record of 22 straight playoff appearances belongs to the Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers franchise, which did it from 1949-71.

The last time San Antonio missed the playoffs was 1996-97. The Spurs went 20-62, which won them the draft lottery and the right to select Tim Duncan. The Spurs failed to win 50 or more games this season for the first time since the lockout-shortened 1998-99 campaign.