Mitch Johnson's Spurs have one distinct difference from the Coach Popovich era

When Coach Gregg Popovich was leading the charge, the San Antonio Spurs were deemed one of the league's most boring teams to watch. Although they were truly a model franchise, they did not turn on the average basketball fan. Their superb and disciplined play style on the basketball floor won them a lot of games, but not the hearts of most NBA hoop heads.

Now, in 2026, the new-generation Spurs are winning both, and Mitch Johnson has a lot to do with that.

A New Culture Fueled by Alamo City Roots

What has worked for Johnson is that, having been with the organization for so long, he has adopted a mindset similar to what has successfully guided the Spurs for decades.

While he brings a modern approach to the physical aspects of the game, Johnson has also ensured that his young team remains connected to San Antonio's culture. Additionally, the city of San Antonio is known to embrace camaraderie and togetherness, and this team seems to follow that mold, including with their fans.

Whether it is the enthusiasm on the bench in support of each other or post-game celebrations such as the Go Spurs Go drum, the connection between the players and fans is stronger than ever.

When a young NBA player is trying to establish themselves as a professional athlete, they need the support of their fan base. Clearly, players like Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and others have that, and Coach Johnson seems to encourage this intimate player-fan relationship.

When Popovich stepped away after 29 seasons, you would not have expected Johnson to make this team competitive and adapt to the city’s culture so quickly, but here we are.

The Wemby effect

Similar to how Popovich molded Tim Duncan into a superstar, Johnson has taken Wembanyama's game to another level in a hurry. Perhaps the league's best player already, Wemby is becoming a star on a global scale, unlike anything the Spurs have had before. Duncan was an all-time great player, but Wemby has a different hold on the NBA these days.

Victor is a wizard on the court and makes plays like nobody has before. His video-game-like actions attract every kind of basketball fan, and he is a big reason for the team's rise in popularity. You can make the case that Wembanyama is the LeBron James of this generation, in terms of his impact on the NBA and what he brings to the brand.

Wemby's meteoric rise has catapulted the Spurs into the "must-see TV" position. Wemby would be a gem for any coach, and Johnson is fortunate enough to have him lead the Spurs during this exceptional transformation.

An offensive juggernaut like never before

Johnson's Spurs share similarities with Popovich's teams in terms of disciplined play and effective ball movement. However, this younger group plays at a faster pace, showcasing their explosiveness and athleticism on both ends of the floor.

They have several players capable of taking over games, including Wemby, De'Aaron Fox, Castle, and Vassell, each of whom can carry the team in various ways. Additionally, Harper and Julian Champagnie have also had breakout games, leading the team in points on occasion.

Popovich always emphasized the importance of role players, but his teams have lacked players who can truly take over games at the rate of the current supporting cast. Coach Johnson's flexibility with different rotations over the past two years has allowed him to position every player to make an impact in their own way.

San Antonio's versatility is special

His modern and momentum-based approach leverages each player's individual strengths on the court. As a result, the Spurs have become one of the most dynamic scoring teams in the NBA.

From the 2000 to 2010 seasons, during which the Spurs won three NBA titles, the team consistently ranked between the 11th and 15th teams in points per game. Their most productive offensive season was in 2007, when they ranked 11th overall, averaging 96.7 points per game.

As of 2026, they have improved significantly and currently rank 3rd, averaging 118.9 points per game. Simply put, they are not just one of the league's best teams; they are becoming the league's most popular team and most exciting to watch.

Ultimately, the new generation Spurs do not have the accolades to match the Popovich-era Spurs yet. However, they play with versatility, swagger, and joy that this franchise has never seen, and NBA fans cannot keep their eyes off of them.