Mitch Johnson just revealed key wrinkle to ending the Thunder's "dynasty" early

The Spurs are proving they can beat anyone, and OKC is next up on their hit list. Knocking off the defending champions will be the toughest task yet, but Mitch Johnson showed a willingness to cut his rotation down to open the second half in Game 6 against the Timberwolves. It's a strategy that San Antonio may need in the Western Conference Finals if they want to advance.

Harrison Barnes already had his minutes slashed, but the Spurs were still running a nine-man rotation with Keldon Johnson being the missing name from the group Paul Garcia named in the post above. It's rare to see a Sixth Man of the Year winner iced out of the game, but offense wasn't the cause of Minnesota's end-of-half run.

While there was some sloppiness on the offensive end, San Antonio's defense also wavered, giving the Timberwolves life. Understanding his team could generate points with any lineup, Coach Johnson went with the best defenders to stifle any momentum Minny attempted to drum up. It led to a 36-23 third quarter. The game was pretty much over after that.

Mitch Johnson may need to make difficult decisions

Playing OKC will demand the same command from Mitch. This isn't a call to bench KJ for the series; it's an acknowledgment that there will simply be times when Johnson isn't the answer. He's made significant improvements as a defender, but he still has lapses, and he's not the quickest laterally. Carter Bryant's defensive range will be a tremendous asset in this matchup.

Oklahoma City's offense against San Antonio's defense is where this clash of titans will be decided. Quite frankly, the Thunder don't have the requisite weapons to slow down the Spurs' offense. Most opponents struggle with their ball pressure, but Stephon Castle, De'Aaron Fox, and Dylan Harper won't be fazed by Alex Caruso's and Lu Dort's physicality—as long as Dort doesn't injure anyone.

That was the benefit of adding Harper after already housing Castle and Fox on the roster. There will always be someone, and often two players, on the floor who can handle the ball, penetrate, play through physicality, and wreak havoc in the paint. And if Rudy Gobert couldn't stop them, Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren won't be doing it either.

Besides, they'll have their hands full with Victor Wembanyama. That's the other major factor. OKC has a size advantage against most teams, but no one has a larger presence than the Alien. San Antonio presents multiple problems that others cannot replicate on both sides of the ball. If they're in their flow state, it's impossible to slow them down. The Thunder will have to outscore them.

Easier said than done.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow