The San Antonio Spurs did not just even the Western Conference finals Sunday night — they did it by leaning into the identity head coach Mitch Johnson believes has carried the team throughout the season.
After San Antonio’s 103-82 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 4 at Frost Bank Center tied the series 2-2, Johnson pointed to defense, discipline and internal trust as the foundation of one of the franchise’s most complete playoff performances.
“I think it was the combination of the physicality and resistance along with the discipline and connectivity to still be together in team defense, not just trying to take one guy out or worried about what you were doing with your own matchup,” Johnson said when asked about limiting Oklahoma City’s perimeter attack.
The Spurs held the Thunder to 33% shooting and just 6-for-33 from 3-point range, while Oklahoma City’s 82 points marked its second-lowest postseason scoring total in franchise history. Johnson credited collective execution more than individual matchups, even as San Antonio relied heavily on Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle to pressure MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“I thought the guys did a great job again of just being connected where you’re in team defense,” Johnson said. “Those guys did a heck of a job with their dynamic ability on that end to lead that resistance and the physicality and trying to make them take tough shots without fouling.”
The defensive activity also fueled San Antonio offensively. The Spurs assisted on all 10 first-quarter field goals and finished with 25 assists while repeatedly attacking an unset Thunder defense.
“Anytime we can turn defense into offense, that’s turnovers, that’s rebounding, whatever the aspect may be, that’s when we’re at our best,” Johnson said. “We can get out and run and play in space and momentum and share the ball.”
Johnson also revisited a point he emphasized after Game 3: pace without rushing.
“It’s a conflicting idea at times but it’s the balance that you got to try to strive for in terms of pace and tempo,” Johnson said. “It doesn’t necessarily mean you need to take a quick shot or be in a rush.”
Wembanyama, who said after Friday’s loss he needed to improve to help his teammates, responded with 33 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Johnson said the performance reflected the competitive responsibility his franchise centerpiece embraces.
“I think tonight he felt an obligation to set a tone for us in a variety of ways,” Johnson said. “The aggressiveness was a reflection of that.”
Johnson added that Wembanyama is seeking the pressure that comes with superstardom.
“I think that’s what he wants,” Johnson said. “I think he wants that responsibility and to be in the lead there and he’s built for it.”
Yet Johnson repeatedly returned to De’Aaron Fox, who posted 12 points, 10 rebounds and five assists while continuing to play through injury concerns.
“He’s been phenomenal,” Johnson said. “He may be our most consistent player if you took away any stats and just watched us play.”
The coach praised Fox’s development into a two-way player and highlighted his steadiness during the postseason.
“He’s been ridiculous all playoffs,” Johnson said. “The things that he’s had to play through and what he’s given us.”
Johnson also made sure to highlight veteran Harrison Barnes despite a scoreless shooting night.
“He was 0 for 4 from the field tonight but boy did we feel his impact,” Johnson said. “We needed his minutes and his performance was huge.”
Game 5 shifts to Oklahoma City on Tuesday with the series tied, and Johnson believes San Antonio’s response after Friday’s Game 3 loss said something important about a young roster.
“I thought tonight was probably their best performance maybe of the year because of the circumstances,” Johnson said, “of just being better at a lot of things.”
