San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson addressed the team’s 124-113 loss to the New York Knicks in Tuesday’s NBA Cup final at T-Mobile Arena, emphasizing the lessons gained despite the outcome. “Probably that word more than anything, the experience,” Johnson said.
The Spurs struggled with rebounding and transition play, factors Johnson noted contributed to the loss. “We gave up a lot of offensive rebounds which hurt us getting out in transition. And I thought there were just a couple times offensively we got a little bit in a rush or in a hurry,” he explained, adding that Victor Wembanyama’s performance was reflective of a team issue rather than individual struggles.
Johnson also highlighted key teachable moments, particularly in the final stretch of the game. “The start of the fourth quarter and understanding how valuable each possession is…you give them credit, they made plays, but it felt like we participated in some of the opportunities they got there,” he said. He stressed the importance of executing fundamental plays under pressure, noting, “Sometimes it’s a fundamental play. Has nothing to do with directly involving the basketball.”
Rookie Dylan Harper earned praise for his NBA Cup debut. “I thought he was great…that kid who’s played 15 some odd games in his career to be able to play these last two games is invaluable experience,” Johnson said, acknowledging the challenges Harper faced on the big stage.
The coach also reflected on managing disappointment during the game. “There were a few times tonight that we allowed the result of the play or the possession or something that just happened to linger a little too long. NBA games are long…you just kind of got to continue to find ways to walk through games and operate at that unwavering, unflinching disposition,” Johnson said.
Johnson praised the team’s growth over the NBA Cup road trip. “I think it did make the last stretch when we worked together more intimate and I think you could feel the guys coming together on and off the court,” he explained.
Finally, Johnson summarized the team’s outlook postgame, balancing pride and the need for improvement. “I’m feeling pretty frustrated because we lost the game. I’m also feeling after 25 games in, I believe, that we’ve shown some signs that we can be a pretty good team. And we’ve also showed that we have a lot of areas of improvement,” he said.
The Spurs will return home to face Washington on Thursday, aiming to apply the lessons Johnson emphasized, while the Knicks celebrate their first NBA Cup banner with standout performances from OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson.
