The San Antonio Spurs saw their 11-game winning streak end Saturday night, falling 136-134 in overtime to the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena.
Despite the loss, Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson described the matchup as one of the most intense games his group has played this season.
“We haven’t been involved in the playoffs yet,” Johnson said. “It was an extremely competitive game that felt like there was high stakes from the first possession for sure.”
Johnson added that the atmosphere and pace resembled postseason basketball.
“It was a really fun game to be part of and just so many good things that we can take away that we did and so many things that we can continue to get better at.”
Denver’s offense revolved around Nikola Jokic, who finished with 40 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds. Johnson explained that the three-time MVP constantly stresses defensive discipline.
“I think they as a team, and he’s obviously the catalyst for it, make you pay for any subtle mistake or slippage,” Johnson said. “He has all the tricks and the counters and the skills to make you pay for that.”
The Spurs’ coach emphasized that the challenge goes beyond a single possession.
“It’s just a mental battle for 48 minutes and tonight 53 minutes to be locked in and switched on every single possession in every way,” Johnson said. “And he, I believe, tests that as much as anybody.”
Transition defense became another key focus during the game, especially when Denver pushed the tempo.
“We definitely want to get transition defense as the priority before anything else,” Johnson said. “We want to make sure we show our load and get into shell and make sure that we get the ball neutralized and then we get into half court.”
Johnson explained that San Antonio’s defensive structure works best once the pace slows.
“That’s where we feel like we’re able to be at our best defensively when we can get the ball a little bit at a standstill, flat feet versus flat feet, and be in the half-court side defense.”
One bright spot for the Spurs came from Julian Champagnie, who knocked down six three-pointers and finished with 18 points.
“It’s just a real representation of his growth,” Johnson said. “He made mistakes during the game like everybody else, but his competitiveness and desire to want it so bad has matured.”
Johnson highlighted the wing’s development and shot-making as the result of consistent work.
“He played 33 minutes, hit some huge shots and made some great plays,” Johnson said. “He’s obviously one of the best shooters in the league. It’s a great byproduct of a lot of work that he’s put in.”
The coach also connected Champagnie’s rise to the franchise’s long-standing player development model.
“I think our organization, specifically our front office, does a great job of identifying our type of guys,” Johnson said. “When you identify the right type of people and then you invest into their development and commit to their growth, you can see a great amount of improvement.”
Victor Wembanyama delivered another all-around performance with 34 points, 18 rebounds, seven assists and five blocks in 40 minutes.
Johnson said the increased workload reflected the demands of a high-level matchup.
“Victor obviously led the way with Steph and De’Aaron and Dev in terms of minutes,” Johnson said. “I thought our guys did a really good job trying to play with pace and not take plays off.”
The Spurs coach also hinted that Wembanyama’s minutes will increase once the postseason begins.
San Antonio, now 59-19, will return home Monday to host the Philadelphia 76ers as the team prepares for the final stretch before the playoffs.
