San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson highlighted the team’s depth and rookie development following Wednesday’s 112-101 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers at Frost Bank Center.
With Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle sidelined, Johnson emphasized contributions from the bench. “I thought it was great. I thought we had really good contributions from everybody that played. And obviously we needed more minutes than a few guys been averaging,” he said.
Johnson praised rookie Carter Bryant, who scored a season-high 17 points. “I thought he did a great job. He played within himself… the ball found him, and he shot in rhythm with confidence when he was open,” Johnson said. He also noted Bryant’s all-around impact: “Five rebounds, four assists, a steal, a couple appropriate fouls, playing with physicality. And we needed it tonight.”
The coach addressed Bryant’s readiness for playoff intensity. “He will play in the playoffs. His defensive communication seems like it’s picked up more lately,” Johnson said, adding that the small-ball lineups have helped rookies adapt. “A lot of those guys are in some situations that they haven’t necessarily navigated a ton this year or as a group. And so I think they’re trying, and there’s a lot of room for improvement still.”
Dylan Harper also earned praise for his defensive growth. “He’s always had great instincts and anticipation. He’s gotten a lot better at being disciplined and consistent and being in a stance, being switched on mentally and ready to go from the jump,” Johnson said. Harper recorded multiple steals and blocks against Portland, showing progress in defensive awareness.
Johnson reflected on the Spurs’ small-ball experiments. “Small ball, the two bigs, the traditional, we need all of it. So I think all the reps, all the experience is helpful, even when it doesn’t go well because it gives us feedback,” he said. He emphasized the value of young players gaining real-game experience in different lineups.
De’Aaron Fox led the scoring with 25 points and managed the offense efficiently in the absence of Wembanyama and Castle. Johnson commended Fox’s versatility: “For someone who’s put up the production he has in his career, to be able to kind of complimentary nurture whoever’s night it is while also having the pulse of I will take this over at any moment… that’s a really, really impactful thing for a young team.”
The Spurs have now won 28 of their last 31 games and hold a 61-19 record, their best since 2017. Johnson praised the chemistry between Bryant and Harper, noting the improvement in their on-court collaboration. “Sometimes it’s hard to have dual possibilities of those mistakes, and they’re actually helping each other now instead of just trying to survive… and so it speaks to their growth,” he said.
San Antonio will host the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, aiming to maintain their Southwest Division lead. Portland, meanwhile, will host the Los Angeles Clippers, trying to secure a play-in spot with a 40-40 record.
