After what felt like a near-perfect game against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, the San Antonio Spurs looked more like a young squad again in Friday’s 120-116 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. The game was defined by messy offense, blown leads, and silly mistakes. And yet, in overtime when it was time to step up with Victor Wembanyama fouling out, the team did what was needed to steal a victory on the road. That’s not something that happened too often in the last two seasons.
Last year, the final two minutes of the fourth quarter would have buried the Spurs. And you could argue that against a better opponent last night, it would have. San Antonio gave away a 6-point lead by turning the ball over twice and making poor shot decisions in the last few possessions. If they valued possessions and ran the clock more in the final moments of the game, they likely don’t need the overtime period.
In a development season, opportunities like this are learning moments for younger players, but the Spurs are self-proclaimed playoff contenders, and bad losses will hurt their chances. It was apparent that they needed a steady hand to calm them in the final moments. Someone like, I don’t know, the former clutch player of the year – De’Aaron Fox. He has become somewhat underrated in the conversations surrounding San Antonio. Last night showed what his absence can cost the team.
In place of a steady veteran leader on the court was a strong voice and tactician on the sideline. Mitch Johnson coached an incredible offensive overtime.
On the first play, Johnson ran a flex play to get Wembanyama isolated in the pinch post, where the big man has thrived in two games this season. He got an easy dunk against rookie big Derik Queen.
The next play, after Wemby fouled out, the Spurs coach went back to a similar high-post action, this time with Luke Kornet operating as a passer/screener in a “zoom” (screen into dribble handoff) action to get Devin Vassell a wide-open three.
After a transition free throw split by Stephon Castle, on the next half-court possession, San Antonio ran the same play. This time, the Pelicans overplayed Vassell, Castle slipped the screen, and found a wide-open Julian Champagnie in the corner for three.
Three half-court possessions, three scores, 8 points. It was the stretch that gave the Spurs the cushion they needed in overtime, and it was done by Johnson putting his best players in positions to thrive in the context of smart team offense. Then, even after Castle made critical mistakes in the fourth, Johnson put the ball in his hands again to close it out in the overtime period. The sophomore delivered. It was superb coaching by the Spurs’ new head man. Through two games, this team seems to have the talent on the bench and on the court to have a successful season.
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