The Spurs have endured an sudden problem at first of this 2024-25 marketing campaign, not solely on account of their total performances and a few underwhelming outcomes, but additionally fue to the truth that their head coach has been sidelined for a number of weeks on account of an undisclosed well being challenge.
Whereas Gregg Popovich recovers, Mitch Johnson has been appearing as interim coach in his place. Regardless of this uncomfortable state of affairs, a number of the San Antonio stars have publicly praised the labor achieved up to now by the appearing tactician, who has served as an assistant for Pop since 2019.
“Mitch has been nice, man,” Chris Paul mentioned final week with pleasure. “I’ve gotten an opportunity to know Mitch even earlier than I signed right here. He’s doing an incredible job, and it’s loopy that he’s within the function that he’s in now as a result of he’s been so communicative anyway.”
I wished to be taught extra about Spurs interim head coach Mitch Johnson, so I tracked down as many people as I may to speak about him as a communicator, tactician, participant developer and the primary seat on the bench.
An @TheAthletic unique: https://t.co/fLjc27eBQ8
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) November 12, 2024
The NBA veteran expressing his confidence in Johnson’s potential to guide the group, solely inspired different teammates to do the identical. Because of this Victor Wembanyama echoed the All-Star’s phrases, and shined a light-weight on Mitch’s adaptability.
“Up to now in video games, he’s answered all of what you want from a coach,” mentioned the present Rookie of the 12 months, although he later mentioned that the interim coach hasn’t had best circumstances to point out his full potential. “We haven’t had (a lot) observe as a result of we’re all the time on the street. However he’s doing an excellent job.”
Below Popovich’s first 5 video games of the season, the Spurs posted a 2-3 document. Nonetheless, now that Johnson has taken over, the group has posted 3-3, which features a highly effective 20-point win over the Sacramento Kings this previous Monday.
Ever for the reason that French star first addressed the legendary coach’s state of affairs, Wemby made positive to transmit belief and tranquility. “We don’t hear rather a lot from Pop,” he mentioned after a recreation final week. “They preserve us knowledgeable as a lot as we’re allowed to know. So, I’m not frightened about him. I do know he’s going to return again quickly.”
Wembanyama continues to interrupt data along with his shows as he’s lately been posting his career-best pictures from past the arc
After scoring probably the most makes an attempt from vary this weekend, Victor Wembanyama couldn’t consider that he had by no means scored six three-pointers in a single NBA match. The centre shook off his range-shooting stoop in spectacular vogue on Saturday night time when San Antonio beat Utah 111 to 110, after which did it once more this Monday night time.
“Actually? I’ve by no means made six 3s in a recreation?” the Spurs star requested when the reporter delivered the information after the sport. The French participant was 6-of-9 from deep and 8-of-15 from the sphere, along with producing his second show this marketing campaign with 7 blocks.
“He made pictures that he’s missed earlier [this season],” mentioned Spurs interim coach Johnson, who has been changing Popovich whereas he recovers from an undisclosed illness. “So, there’s not a response both means. He’s an exceptional shooter. We would like him capturing all these pictures.”
The 21-year-old dropped a game-high 24 factors alongside along with his spectacular 16 rebounds, a efficiency that marks his third profession recreation with not less than 5 three pointers and 5 blocks. At this level, he’s tied with Kristaps Porzingis for second most in league historical past, solely behind Raef LaFrentz.
