With legendary coach Gregg Popovich sidelined due to an illness, San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Mitch Johnson is temporarily steering the team. Johnson, who stepped in just before the Spurs’ game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, shared that his focus is on maintaining the team’s momentum and ensuring that Popovich’s message continues to resonate.
“Just stay consistent with the messaging that we have had,” Johnson stated before Monday’s game. “Pop does so much empowerment and delegation when he is here that in a weird way, it doesn’t feel like I have to do something super outlandish.”
He acknowledged the challenge of filling in for the NBA’s all-time leader in coaching wins but emphasized the collective effort among staff and players to manage during this time.
Johnson, now in his ninth season with the Spurs organization, has stepped up as interim coach twice before and has experience guiding the Spurs’ G League affiliate in Austin, as well as leading the team during Summer League games. He was given short notice on Saturday before the Spurs’ matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves, yet the team rose to the occasion, winning 113-103, bringing their season record to 3-3. Johnson noted that Popovich’s absence could even act as motivation for the squad, with players eager to prove themselves in the coach’s absence.
The Spurs’ defense, an area of marked improvement this season, has played a pivotal role in their early success. San Antonio has reduced opponents’ scoring to 104.7 points per game compared to last season’s 118.6 and cut opponent shooting percentages significantly.
Johnson credited new veteran players Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, alongside rising star Victor Wembanyama, for setting the defensive tone. “It’s really hard to play defense in this league,” Johnson explained. “It’s a credit to Chris and Harrison, the veterans on the team… Victor is a huge part of that as well. He’s a year older and he has grown tremendously.”
Wembanyama, the top pick in the 2023 draft, is already averaging 18 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, showing growth and adapting well to the team’s strategy. Meanwhile, Paul and Barnes have brought professionalism and leadership that Johnson says has been instrumental in guiding the young roster.
This isn’t the first time the Spurs have had to manage without Popovich; former assistants Tim Duncan and Becky Hammon previously stepped in during the coach’s past absences. Popovich, who has been with the Spurs for nearly three decades, is celebrated not only for his five NBA titles but also for his enduring influence on the team’s culture and approach.
While Popovich’s return timeline remains unclear, Johnson conveyed that Popovich is in good spirits and continues to provide guidance from afar. As Johnson leads the team in Popovich’s absence, the Spurs are focused on capitalizing on their early-season improvements and sustaining the legacy of consistency and discipline that has defined the Popovich era.
