Before the 42nd game of the season, San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Mitch Johnson reflected on the first half of the season and exactly how the Spurs have landed in the second seed in the Western Conference.
What does Mitch Johnson see as needing improvement in the second half of the season? Consistency.
“Consistency in our approach, in our transition defense, in our communication, in how we come out at halftime, how we finish quarters. We’ve shown potential and growth in a lot of areas, we‘ve also shown a lot to be wanting more in terms of consistency.”
As far as things that he’s seen throughout the season that are working, Coach Johnson stated,
“I am please with the competitive response and the role that’s been called upon. We’ve had a lot of guys in and out in terms of availability, we’ve had a lot of guys maybe play more minutes at times and less in others and not one time have I ever felt any reflection of a bad teammate. Frustration is totally different. Like I’ve said before, I want guys to be frustrated. I want fifteen guys who want to play 48 minutes. That’s a competitive spirit why they’ve gotten to the level of basketball. It would be silly of me to think that’s a negative trait, but the teammate part is non-negotiable. They all get A+ for that, I’m very pleased with that.”
Appreciation for the Spurs competitive spirit is something appreciated across the board. The Spurs put their best foot forward night after night against some of the best teams in the league. And on those nights when they come up short, it is due to the consistency to which Johnson speaks.
So far this season, Johnson has spoken before and after each game, and when he addresses shortcomings, bad calls, off nights, or blown plays, he does so with more than just a positive attitude — he’s shaping a locker room mentality for long-term growth.
There is no finger-pointing in Johnson’s responses, nor is there pandering to avoid delving into responsibilities. Johnson is direct, honest, and reveals the kind of insight he has toward the game as well as his worldview.
No statement was clearer than his response to allowing Minnesota to come back from a 25-point halftime deficit and push the Spurs into the final moments of the game.
When asked about the lead slipping from them, Johnson responded,
“It’s extremely disappointing, but it’s also acknowledging that those guys in there got the 25-point lead and then got down in the 4th quarter and then won the game. So I’m not going to sit here and be negative or not keep it all in perspective. That part was extremely disappointing. That part has been what I think what has crept in at time and been a thorn in our side this year. Which has just been at times some nonchalantness of the depth of experience, history, wisdom, runs on the board accomplishments to refer to when times get really tough. We have to overly respect the process the details and playing the right way because we’re lacking in some areas that can’t control right now. So we got through this we cannot let our guard down in those areas. And when we do, we find ourselves in times in similar situations. They are not all created equal or exactly the same but I think we’ve seen some similarities when this happens.“
Love it or not, you have to respect a head coach who can say “give time time” and mean it.
When considering all that talent and accolade — two most recent Rookies of the Year, an NBA Clutch Player, a couple of NBA champions, a 2024 G-League champ, a pair of 2024 McDonald’s All-Americans, and an Olympic Gold Medal winner — the possibility of clashing egos could cause disruption. Yet the Spurs locker room remains a respectful and cultured space.
Doc Rivers gave the ultimate complement.
That level of recognition says something about how Johnson and the Spurs look from outside San Antonio to the rest of the basketball world.
While the first game of the second half of the season went from a blowout to a dogfight in the span of 24 minutes off the clock, the Spurs put some separation back between them and Minnesota. They’re poised to make a solid run before the All-Star Break and come back refreshed and ready to make a push against teams with more postseason experience.
How they weather the small storms will set the tone for how far they go. And with Mitch Johnson at the helm, they have the best chance of keeping their wits about them during the best and worst of times.
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