San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson emphasized team composure following a 111–109 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday. “I thought our spirit was in the right place… we just need the game to slow down for us,” he said after the NBA Cup semifinal at T-Mobile Arena.
Johnson highlighted Victor Wembanyama’s impact despite a minutes restriction. “He played a 36-minute game… he did a phenomenal job of impacting the game without having to score,” the coach said, noting Wembanyama’s influence on both ends in only 21 minutes.
The Spurs overcame an early deficit to defeat the Thunder, snapping Oklahoma City’s 16-game winning streak. Johnson credited the team’s resilience and said the full squad experience was valuable. “Our first game as a full team… we’ve been doing that sporadically with different groups,” he said.
Johnson also addressed the significance of the win for the Spurs’ young roster. “There is 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-tier opponents provides critical learning opportunities.
The coach stressed contributions from multiple players beyond Wembanyama. “Devin Vassell has impact in winning whether he’s making shots or not… De’Aaron Fox has really influenced our young guys on how to step up in moments,” Johnson said, underlining the team’s depth.
Johnson discussed strategic decisions during the game, including defensive plays and fouls. “With the circumstances of the game, it was something we wanted to do… we felt comfortable with our defensive rebounding,” he explained, highlighting attention to detail in close moments.
The coach praised Wembanyama’s approach after returning from injury. “He played unapologetically… he played relentless, he played too fast at times and it was all for the right reasons,” Johnson said, acknowledging the rookie’s aggressive mindset and its effect on team performance.
San Antonio will now face the New York Knicks in Tuesday’s NBA Cup final. Johnson views the semifinal as a benchmark for growth and execution. “Every game is a moment and opportunity for us to continue to grow… playing the best is the best way to get better,” he concluded.
