Mitch Johnson's stubborn refusal to change kept Wembanyama and Spurs from a title

The San Antonio Spurs lost to the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals, and head coach Mitch Johnson’s refusal to make obvious adjustments cost Victor Wembanyama his first title. Dylan Harper was clearly outplaying De’Aaron Fox, but Johnson stuck with the veteran handling the ball late. The 39-year-old head coach kept using Luke Kornet, despite his minutes becoming a disaster late in the playoffs. It seemed like every move was the wrong one as the Spurs blew a double-digit lead in all four losses.

Johnson took over for the GOAT Gregg Popovich last season. This was Johnson’s first playoff experience. He joined the Spurs staff in the 2019-2020 season, which was the first year San Antonio missed the playoffs since 1997. Johnson’s inexperience showed, and had fans questioning if he is the right person to lead this hyper-talented Spurs squad.

This loss starts with the head coach. He refused to bench veterans and make tough calls, even after things clearly weren’t working. Harper should have been the primary creator on the floor late. Johnson needed to cut Kornet from the rotation and manage the game better to rest Wemby. He did none of that as San Antonio went from the favorite to the runner-up in the NBA Finals.

Mitch Johnson’s stubborn refusal to change kept Spurs from a championship

De’Aaron Fox was clearly injured in the NBA Finals. The star guard was playing through a high ankle sprain and deserves credit for his toughness. Fox wanted to play and help his team. It was on coach Johnson to put the best five on the floor to win this series, and he didn’t do that.

Fox averaged 12.8 points in 36.5 minutes per game in the NBA Finals. He shot 34.3 percent from the field and 25.0 percent on his 3-point attempts. The two-time All-Star didn’t have his normal burst and ability to get to the rim. It cost the Spurs dearly late in their epic Game 4 collapse, but Fox shouldn’t have been on the floor.

Dylan Harper averaged 18.0 points in 31.0 minutes per game on 49.3 percent shooting from the field and 28.0 percent on his 3-point tries in the NBA Finals. The rookie was clearly playing better. He had a team-high 25 points in Game 5.

Johnson needed to hand the rookie the keys with the game on the line, but he disastrously stuck with Fox. The All-Star missed all four of his field goal attempts in the fourth quarter and didn’t produce a stat as the Spurs were outscored by five points in his nearly ten minutes of action.

The Knicks outscored San Antonio by 26 points in the five fourth quarters. Jalen Brunson starred in the biggest moments as the young Spurs faltered. Coach Johnson played Victor Wembanyama 38 or more minutes in every game, and the superstar wore down. It was all because Mitch refused to change.

There were clear signs of fatigue. From struggling to control his emotions to not taking over the game, Wemby was worn out. The Spurs weren’t supposed to be here. It was a successful season, but it had the future face of the league looking like a villain at the end.

Johnson took plenty of heat on social media. There were calls to be fired and pundits pointing out his disastrous decisions.

Mitch Johnson is a young coach who helped his team overachieve this season. He doesn’t deserve to be fired. Coach Pop didn’t start leading the Spurs until he was 48 years old. Johnson turns 40 in November. He will learn from this and get better. That has to happen for the Spurs to win a championship.

Ultimately, San Antonio didn’t have enough depth. By the NBA Finals, Johnson only truly trusted his five starters and Dylan Harper. Reigning Sixth Man of the Year Keldon Johnson wasn’t good enough. The head coach had no answer when Wemby needed a break. There was just nowhere to turn as his team wore down late in games.

Mitch Johnson could learn a ton from Mike Brown, including how to trust his bench more. Miles McBride, Jose Alvarado, Landry Shamet, Mitchell Robinson, and Jordan Clarkson all had key moments in New York’s title run. The head coach trusted them, and each found a way to deliver.

The San Antonio Spurs need Mitch Johnson to make the necessary adjustments moving forward. He failed to do that in the NBA Finals, and it cost Victor Wembanyama his first championship. Expect Wemby and the Spurs to return stronger next season. Coach Johnson must be ready to lead the group and make the necessary changes. If not, the season will end in heartbreak again.

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