The Spurs Are Three Games Behind OKC, But the Real Story May Be Their Young Head Coach
The Spurs are 43-17 and and in second place in the Western Conference, just three games behind the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
With just 22 games remaining in the regular season the Spurs are poised to not only make the playoffs for the first time since 2019 but to make a deep playoff run as well.
Rebuild Ahead of Schedule
It’s no secret that the Spurs are talented. Through luck or ingenious the “rebuild” for all intents and purposes seems to be ahead of schedule. V-Dub is looking every bit the generational talent he was forecasted to be while Stephon Castle, in just his second year, is proving to be the Robin to V-Dubs Batman. With a bevy of
With so much talent it’s no surprise the Spurs are in position to win it all…this year. And while V-Dub and the gang get the bulk of the shine, not enough has been said about the job first year coach Mitch Johnson has done guiding this team.
Youngest to Coach Spurs
Johnson, in his first full season since taking over for the Legendary Coach Popovich five games into last season, is the youngest coach to ever coach the team. His youth in my opinion has been his advantage in taking over for an aging Popovich. While the respect for his successor and mentor has and will always be there, Johnson’s ability to not only relate to his young team but his ability to get the most out of them has been his strong suit this season.
Coming into the 2025-2026 expectations for the Silver and Black were measured at best. While the team was expected to improve on their 34-48 record from the year before, no one expected this degree of success ( I picked the team to finish sixth in the west).
Coach of the Year?
The real test for Johnson will be guiding this iteration of the Silver and Black through uncharted territory….the playoffs. For all accounts this season is a success for the Spurs regardless as to how it ends.
Coach Mitch Johnson for his part should be a front runner for Coach of the Year for the season he’s had.
