Spurs have a clear blueprint to beat Timberwolves thanks to Luke Kornet

Following a rollercoaster Game 4 loss, the San Antonio Spurs will have to go back to the drawing board ahead of Game 5. That could include making a long-anticipated lineup shakeup involving center Luke Kornet.

Despite Kornet's poor play in Game 1 and Game 3, he came through when the Spurs needed him most. After Victor Wembanyama got himself ejected, Kornet stepped up and played extremely well.

His 7 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks in 26 minutes gave San Antonio a chance to steal Game 4 before they ultimately fell short. As a result, in Game 5, the Spurs should consider using Kornet more, specifically, pairing him with Wembanyama in a French Vanilla lineup.

The Spurs must play Luke Kornet and Victor Wembanyama together

San Antonio has avoided playing two big lineups this series. Nevertheless, it could be an effective counter to Minnesota dominating them on the glass and winning the physicality battle.

Julius Randle has struggled this series even without the Spurs playing two big men but has been incredibly physical. Playing Kornet more minutes could make his already bad series even worse.

It could also give San Antonio an extra leg up in the hopes of punching their ticket to the Western Conference Finals.

Coach Mitch Johnson playing Kornet and Wembanyama together with, say, De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Devin Vassell does come with spacing concerns. On the other hand, Kornet is a terrific offensive rebounder.

Having two 7-footers share the floor could make it virtually impossible for the Timberwolves to score in the paint. With San Antonio being the better offensive team, that would play into their hand.

The French Vanilla is the Spurs' secret weapon against the Wolves

French Vanilla could end the Wolves' domination of the offensive glass. Had San Antonio done a better job on the glass in Game 4, they would be up 3-1 heading into Game 5.

Forcing the Wolves into only one shot and keeping them off the offensive glass could grind their offense to a halt for long stretches. The Spurs wouldn't even have to start Kornet.

Instead, they could simply bring him in earlier for Julian Champagnie and play him and Wemby together for five-minute stretches to disrupt the Wolves' offensive attack.

Considering the Spurs have yet to play those two together against the Wolves this season, it could be disruptive enough to help San Antonio win a crucial Game 5. Therefore, Johnson playing French Vanilla together in Game 5 is a must.

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