San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson emphasized the team’s composure following a 111-109 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday. “I thought our minds were in the right place … we just need the game to slow down,” he said after the NBA Cup semifinal at T-Mobile Arena.
Johnson highlighted Victor Wembanyama’s impact despite being limited in minutes. “He played a 36-minute game… he influenced the game in a phenomenal way without having to score,” said the coach, who noted Wembanyama’s influence on both sides in just 21 minutes.
The Spurs overcame an early deficit and defeated the Thunder, breaking Oklahoma City’s 16-game winning streak. Johnson praised the team’s resilience and said the full team experience was valuable. “Our first game as a full team… we did that sporadically with different groups,” he said.
Johnson also discussed the significance of the win for Spurs’ young squad. “There’s something when you see the result… it can be motivating,” he said, praising the confidence boost for the team. He noted that winning against top-level opponents provides crucial learning opportunities.
The coach highlighted the contributions of several players outside Wembanyama. “Devin Vassell has an impact in winning whether he’s making shots or not… De’Aaron Fox has really influenced our young guys in how they can step up in moments,” Johnson said, underscoring the team’s depth.
Johnson discussed strategic decisions during the game, including defensive plays and fouls. “Given the circumstances of the match, this was something we wanted to do… we felt comfortable with our defensive rebounding,” he explained, highlighting the attention to detail in short moments.
The coach praised Wembanyama’s approach after returning from injury. “He played unapologetically… he played relentlessly, he played too fast at times and it was all for the right reasons,” said Johnson, who acknowledged the rookie’s aggressive mentality and its effect on the team’s performance.
San Antonio will now take on the New York Knicks in the NBA Cup final on Tuesday. Johnson views the semifinals as a benchmark for growth and execution. “Every match is a moment and an opportunity for us to keep growing. Playing the best way is the best way to get better,” he concluded.
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