San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson highlighted his team’s offensive execution after Thursday’s 119-101 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks at Frost Bank Center.
“I thought our offense was really clean and sharp tonight just in terms of execution, spacing, and most importantly, it felt like our best passing game… the basketball had energy, was finding people early, and that allowed the person catching the ball some really good opportunities,” Johnson said.
Johnson pointed to the team’s three-point shooting as a key factor. “We got the three ball going tonight. I think the most in 12 games… we got some really good shots and we knocked them down tonight,” he said.
The coach addressed Victor Wembanyama’s first-quarter knee scare against Giannis Antetokounmpo. “He was out there with us… I think it was just getting checked out, making sure there was nothing else, but obviously he played and he was fine,” Johnson said.
Johnson also discussed Stephon Castle’s defensive versatility. “He’s so aggressive, so relentless… we just changed it up and Steph did a great job. I thought our shifts and the four people behind the person guarding him were not tight enough initially, but the team did a really good job,” he explained.
The Spurs coach praised Castle’s ability to guard multiple positions. “Having a piece like Steph defensively that could plausibly guard a Giannis and then guard perimeter players too obviously helps you as a coach devising what you want to do,” Johnson said.
Johnson also highlighted Julian Champagnie’s continued improvement on the boards. “His rebounding… it’s been pretty dang consistent now. Even when he has not made shots, he’s been rebounding. That’s when you become a real player in this league,” he said.
On Dylan Harper’s court vision, Johnson noted, “He and Steph did a really good job tonight of keeping their dribble… finding people on time and on target with tempo and rhythm. The guy that caught the ball had the ability to either shoot a really good shot or take advantage of the initial advantage they created.”
San Antonio dominated the game statistically, shooting 51% overall, 43% from three, and converting 23-of-27 free throws. Wembanyama finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Castle added 19 points and 10 assists, and Champagnie posted 13 points and 11 boards.
The Spurs led by 39 early in the fourth quarter, improving to 28-13, tied for third in the Western Conference. Milwaukee falls to 17-24, 11th in the East. San Antonio hosts Minnesota on Saturday, and the Bucks visit Atlanta on Monday.
