Spurs fans can't believe baffling decision Mitch Johnson made against the Knicks

The San Antonio Spurs lost to the New York Knicks 114-89 on Sunday afternoon, and rookie Carter Bryant was removed from the rotation. Mitch Johnson opted to play nine with Harrison Barnes and Keldon Johnson getting the run over Bryant. With Barnes struggling, fans couldn’t believe the Spurs didn’t try the rookie before the game was wrapped up. San Antonio clearly needed a boost and never found it.

The Spurs' 11-game win streak was snapped by the Knicks. Bryant played garbage time to make it 12 straight contests and 20 of the last 21. The rookie was shooting 37.7 percent from 3-point range over the last 20 and appeared to be finding his footing.

Fans were surprised Bryant didn’t play until the game was decided, as he looked like the perfect Jeremy Sochan replacement. The 20-year-old has to make shots, but he was doing just that. It left supporters wondering what the head coach was thinking in the blowout loss to the Knicks.

Mitch Johnson bafflingly removes Carter Bryant from the Spurs rotation

Johnson opted for Keldon and Barnes over Bryant. In his 17 minutes, Barnes had three points, two assists, and two turnovers as the Spurs lost by 14 points with him on the floor. Johnson had three points and two boards on one of four shooting from the field in 17 minutes. The Spurs clearly needed a boost, which fans had raising questions.

Bryant played the final three minutes and missed his only shot, but the contest was already over. The Knicks dominated as the Spurs struggled to buy a bucket for the entire afternoon.

Bryant is a key piece of the Spurs' future. He was a lottery pick in 2025 and has shown flashes of being a game-changer. The 20-year-old needs time to develop, but Sunday was the perfect chance to get him run. Barnes and Keldon were struggling. Bryant may have provided an unexpected boost that San Antonio desperately needed.

The Spurs are 37-12 in games Bryant has played this season. He was limited to mop-up duties for stretches, but it is time to make him part of the rotation. San Antonio desperately needs shooting, and Bryant is improving in that area. He gives the Spurs another energetic young defender who provides a boost. It is time to make him part of the rotation as they chase a deep playoff run.

The Spurs need to flush Sunday’s loss. It was a nightmare afternoon where they shot just nine of 34 from 3-point range and couldn't crack 90 points. Fans know San Antonio struggles in afternoon games. That continued to open March. The win streak is gone, but the Spurs are still a serious threat to win it all.

The San Antonio Spurs need to play Carter Bryant. Head coach Mitch Johnson went away from him against the Knicks, and it resulted in disaster. The rookie has earned his place, and fans want to see him play. Will Bryant be back in the mix for the Spurs' next game? Supporters hope so, but that will be up to coach Johnson and his staff.