Spurs' Mitch Johnson's biggest weakness is just waiting to be exposed in playoffs

The San Antonio Spurs have been the second-best team in the NBA all season long, but the playoffs could expose a crucial flaw.

For all of the talk surrounding the San Antonio Spurs' lack of playoff experience, they have been the second-best team in the NBA all season long. However, the playoffs are a different animal.

It's true that many of the Spurs' rotation players have little postseason experience. The same could be said for Mitch Johnson, who is in his first full season as head coach.

He too could experience some growing pains and make mistakes that more experienced coaches may pounce on. In fact, he recently made a key mistake during the team's recent game against the Denver Nuggets.

Spurs' Mitch Johnson's biggest weakness may soon be exposed

Johnson has heavily relied on star De'Aaron Fox this season, and despite being an all-star, Fox has also experienced his share of poor games. Most recently, he struggled against the Nuggets. In 40 minutes, he scored only 14 points on 7-19 shooting, including a disappointing 0-6 from three.

That proved especially painful considering he is a 35% 3-point shooter. Him hitting just one of those six attempts would have helped San Antonio pull out a signature road win against a likely playoff opponent ahead of the postseason.

That game isn't an isolated incident. Johnson has closed out games with Fox even when he's struggling. That would only make sense if they didn't have an alternative at point guard in Dylan Harper.

Mitch Johnson can't be afraid to bench De'Aaron Fox

Fox has a reputation of being a fantastic closer, but occasionally he doesn't have it. That's why the Spurs have the point guard trio, and they should look to use Harper if Fox simply doesn't have it.

Going with a rookie in late-game situations, especially in the playoffs, is risky, but Harper is no normal rookie. He's arguably the best out of the Spurs' point guard trio at attacking the rim, and that skill only becomes more valuable in the playoffs.

Not only that, but he is already a capable defender and has seen his 3-point shooting improve dramatically post-All-Star break. That makes Harper a more than viable alternative to Fox if he is struggling.

Also, how is Harper supposed to gain crunch-time reps if he doesn't receive the opportunity to play in those situations from time to time? Harper should have absolutely closed over Fox against the Nuggets.

While that might not always be the case, Johnson can't be married to playing Fox late if he's struggling like he did. Hopefully, Johnson will use the Nuggets game as a learning experience.

Otherwise, the Spurs may not be performing at their best in the playoffs.