San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson described Monday night’s 114-103 victory over the Detroit Pistons as a test of toughness rather than shotmaking.
“I thought it was a very competitive match, very physical,” Johnson said after the win at Little Caesars Arena. “We took some pictures early and they reminded us very quickly that it wasn’t going to be about that tonight.”
The Spurs improved to 40–16 and extended their winning streak to nine games, trailing only Oklahoma City in the Western Conference standings.
Johnson pointed to his team’s composure as the game transitioned from rhythm to resistance.
“I thought we played really well together at times during the game,” he said. “There were a few moments where there was physicality, contact, a moving sequence or moment or situation. I thought we responded very appropriately at times.”
San Antonio finished with 32 assists and 12 turnovers while shooting 42% from the field and 45% from three.
“I thought we did a pretty good job,” Johnson said of valuing assets. “We had exactly that gaming version of a personality that we probably haven’t experienced in a while.”
He emphasized confidence in overcoming isolation.
“We have a lot of guys that can make plays,” he said. “If we trust and embrace that and then also bounce back and finish the stop so we can flow into our defense to attack with speed, we’ll be strong.”
Devin Vassell led the way with 28 points on 10-for-14 shooting, including 7-for-11 from three.
“I thought Devin did a great job,” Johnson said.
Victor Wembanyama added 21 points, 17 rebounds and six blocks despite shooting 6-for-16.
“That’s what it takes to beat teams like this,” Johnson said. “We can’t hang our hat on making shots, making offensive creations or trying to score.”
He mentioned the All-Star center’s defensive impact.
“I thought he did a great job of not letting that stop him from putting his energy in the right places and in all other facets of the game,” Johnson said.
Detroit came in at 42-13 and leads the Eastern Conference, but Cade Cunningham shot 5-for-26.
“I thought the execution of his game plan and his competitiveness, while being physical and trying to move his feet and show his hands, was excellent,” Johnson said of Stephon Castle’s defense.
Johnson framed the game as a playoff-like environment.
“Any time we can play a competitive game, you want to win,” he said. “But in a competitive match against a team of this caliber, there are learning lessons, moments and things to point back to.”
He acknowledged that opponents will test San Antonio’s physical limits.
“I imagine most teams will talk about that when they talk about scouting us and how they can impose their will on us,” Johnson said. “That’s not something we’re going to avoid.”
Spurs’ approach, he explained, is based on pace and anticipation rather than brute force.
“I think our activity, our pace, our connectivity and our anticipation can be ways of physically imposing our will,” Johnson said. “Just like a boxer who wants to move around the ring and use his jab and use activity.”
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