San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson reflected on a narrow 104-102 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals on Monday night at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.
The Spurs pushed the series opener to the final possession, but Julian Champagnie’s buzzer attempt missed after Minnesota’s late defensive stand.
Johnson credited the Timberwolves’ defensive identity when asked about Victor Wembanyama’s offensive challenges. “They did what they do. They’re physical. They guard the basketball really well, especially direct action where it’s kind of mano-a-mano situations,” Johnson said. “They’ve got guys that are capable of doing it, and they take a lot of pride in it. So they did a good job there.”
San Antonio’s offensive rhythm was inconsistent early, something Johnson pointed to as a key factor. “In the first half, I thought we were a little indecisive,” he said. “Felt like there were times we got a little in between, whether that was to shoot or not, to drive or not, to pass or not, just in general. We were indecisive and that hurt us in the first half.”
Despite the loss, Johnson emphasized the quality of the team’s process compared to the box score. “I think the process was probably better than some of the box score I looked at some of that,” he said. “I thought when he screened and rolled, we got some good looks and have to continue to do that more.”
Late-game execution also became a focal point, particularly Julian Champagnie’s offensive rebounding effort and final shot. “He just did a good job, obviously, with the sense of urgency,” Johnson said. “He had some great multiple efforts there to keep us in the game. We got some good looks, missed them.”
Johnson added, “On the last play, we just got a rebound… Dylan did a good job pushing the ball, kicks it ahead of Julian. Julian had a fly by, got a three pointer in rhythm and no problem with the shot. That was a great shot. I hope he shoots it every time.”
On De’Aaron Fox’s performance, Johnson downplayed concerns after a difficult shooting night. “I have no concern over De’Aaron Fox or Victor Wembanyama’s box score. They’ll be better. We’ll be better for them,” he said.
He also highlighted the impact of defensive gravity in the Spurs’ offensive structure. “Sometimes the box score doesn’t always show necessarily,” Johnson said, referencing how actions away from the ball influenced outcomes.
San Antonio finished 10-for-36 from three-point range, a stat Johnson acknowledged while maintaining confidence in shot quality. “Victor and De’Aaron were 0 for 12. I got to watch them back, but at the moment I felt like they were all rhythm good shots, and I trust that they’ll make shots.”
Johnson also addressed Stephon Castle’s foul trouble, noting the balance between aggression and discipline. “We want him to play hard. We want him to play physical,” he said. “The way that we want him to play, he’s probably staring at four to five fouls every game in these playoffs just because of who he’s guarding.”
Rookie guard Dylan Harper also drew praise after his late-game impact. “I thought he was great,” Johnson said. “I think his performances have followed that.”
Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Wednesday in San Antonio.
