Spurs' sleeper's bounce-back game couldn’t have come at a better time

The Spurs got big contributions from pretty much every player tonight as they dismantled the Timberwolves and stamped their ticket to the Conference Finals. Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and De’Aaron Fox, the stars, did their thing, as did the supporting cast.

Notably, Luke Kornet had an impactful game off the bench, which is a great sign for San Antonio. Kornet had been having a quiet series, but they’ll need him to perform in the next round against the Thunder.

Luke Kornet reminded us tonight why he’s an X-Factor for the Spurs

Kornet’s stat line from Game 6 doesn’t jump off the page. He notched six points, six rebounds, and four blocks in 14 minutes, shooting 2/3 from the field and finishing with a +8 plus/minus. But when he was on the floor, he was a very positive presence for the Spurs.

The big man’s rim protection was phenomenal tonight. He blocked four shots but altered many more, snuffing out Minnesota’s attempts to score easy baskets inside. Even when he’s not really scoring, Kornet is still an additive player because of that defense. That’s his superpower. He’s the ultimate egoless role player.

Kornet’s impact ceiling is lower than that of the other sidekicks on San Antonio’s roster. Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, Dylan Harper, and even Keldon Johnson can do more to swing wins when they’re at their best. But Kornet does have a high floor, especially in certain matchups where the Spurs need more size.

Oklahoma City is one of those opponents that could require a steady dose of Kornet to defeat. That’s why tonight was important for the center, because he kicked up some positive momentum that he can carry over into the conference finals.

Kornet could be key to upsetting the Thunder in the Conference Finals

The Thunder have a formidable interior game on both sides of the ball. A lot of it is fueled by their three bigs: Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Jaylin Williams. The versatility of that trio is off the charts. Oklahoma City can roll out dominant double-big lineups or use any of Holmgren, Hartenstein, and Williams as the sole five-man, and all of them provide different looks.

Kornet can help San Antonio combat the pressure OKC’s bigs put on. He’ll be the best matchup for Hartenstein, specifically in terms of strength. On top of that, his rim protection ability means Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will have to worry about a seven-footer in the paint for all 48 minutes every night, as the Spurs can trust Kornet to hold it down when Wemby needs a break.

Luke Kornet is never going to be a flashy standout who demands serious praise. But he's valuable because he’s built to win. After all, he does have an NBA championship under his belt. Now, he has a chance to win another one with the Spurs if he can help them quell the Thunder.

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