Mitch Johnson should cut Wembanyama's backup from Spurs' rotation in Game 6 against Thunder

The San Antonio Spurs have to cut Luke Kornet from their rotation in Game 6 if Mitch Johnson wants to extend the Western Conference Finals series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Victor Wembanyama’s backup has been a problem. The Spurs have been outscored by 52 points in his 54 minutes in this series. Kornet isn’t helping, and benching him allows Mitch Johnson to throw a curveball that OKC might not expect.

The Spurs have won Wemby’s minutes by 42 points, but fans saw him starting to wear down in Game 5. It was a disappointment. San Antonio has to get him rest in Game 6. Wemby can’t play 40 minutes, which means they must embrace small ball without their superstar on the floor.

Coach Johnson has to use the right players. OKC will attack the rim and crash the glass when Wemby sits. That gets even worse if San Antonio goes small. The Spurs must counter with Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, and Keldon Johnson. That lineup should allow them to switch everything and have just enough team rebounding to stay afloat.

Luke Kornet shouldn’t leave the Spurs bench in Game 6

Kornet is a strong rebounder and rim protector, but the Thunder’s speed and athleticism are making him a non-factor. The big man had one rebound and three fouls as San Antonio lost his eight minutes by six points in Game 5. They’ve been outscored by the Thunder in every game with Kornet on the floor, and Mitch Johnson has to move on.

The Spurs are light on options. Harrison Barnes has been virtually unplayable in this series. Kelly Olynyk, Bismack Biyombo, and Mason Plumlee are not answers. That leaves going small as the only option if Kornet is benched.

San Antonio desperately needs Dylan Harper to step up. The 6’5 guard is a strong rebounder and playmaker. The rookie has shown flashes of being a future star, and the Spurs need a breakout game on Thursday night.

Victor Wembanyama will bounce back in Game 6. He struggled to make shots and didn’t have his usual defensive impact on Tuesday night. Spurs fans were disappointed, but those are the growing pains a young player experiences. Expect a monster performance back in San Antonio, but Wemby can’t do it alone.

The Spurs can’t worry about Chet Holmgren or Isaiah Hartenstein dominating in Game 6. The gamble of going small will likely get the Thunder's big men a few easy buckets, but it takes the ball out of other players' hands. If the Spurs can slow down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and limit Alex Caruso and Jared McCain, this move is a win.

Expect Wemby to play 38 minutes, so the Spurs need the small unit to be effective for ten. That is a massive ask from a group that hasn’t really played together. Their backs are against the wall, so it is time to gamble.

The San Antonio Spurs have to cut Luke Kornet from the rotation if they want to win Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals. The Thunder have dominated Kornet’s minutes, and this is a win-or-go-home contest. Mitch Johnson must make a bold move and go small when Wembanyama needs a rest. Fortune favors the bold.

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