Spurs' historic streak of 50-win seasons ends with loss to Clippers

Nothing lasts forever.

The San Antonio Spurs' 18-season streak finishing with at least 50 victories came to an end Tuesday night at Staples Center, with the Los Angeles Clippers guaranteeing the franchise won't reach that mark in 2017-18.

The last time the Spurs failed to win 50 or more contests in a full 82-game slate was in 1996-97 when they finished with a paltry 20-62 record. Their mediocrity ultimately landed them the first overall pick in 1997, though, which they used to select Wake Forest's Tim Duncan.

This excludes the lockout-shortened 1998-99 campaign that lasted just 50 games, although the Spurs still managed to notch a .740 winning percentage en route to an NBA championship. The 2011-12 was also shortened, but San Antonio still hit 50 wins by going 50-16.

Kawhi Leonard has appeared in just nine games due to a right quadriceps injury this season, which has played a big part in the Spurs' struggles to keep the streak alive.

San Antonio still owns a respectable 45-33 record after falling 113-100 to Los Angeles, and will hit the hardwood next on Wednesday night against the Lakers.