Spurs Coach Mitch Johnson Defends De'Aaron Fox Amid NBA Finals Struggles SAN ANTONIO -- Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson reaffirmed his unwavering support for guard De'Aaron Fox on Friday, despite the player’s struggles in Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks. The loss, which saw San Antonio surrender a 29-point lead and allow the Knicks to stage the largest comeback in NBA Finals history, left Fox in the spotlight for his performance. Johnson emphasized his commitment to the player, stating that his focus remains on the team’s internal perspective rather than external opinions. “I don’t get into social media,” Johnson said. “I think I’ve been fired 212 times, and we’ve traded Fox 72 times. People have their opinions. I don’t care. I care what the people that matter in our building, our organization, in that locker room, that they know how I feel. De'Aaron Fox will have the basketball in his hands at the end of the game tomorrow, and I have the utmost confidence he’s going to deliver like he’s done countless times for us.” Fox’s performance in Game 4 was marred by turnovers and missed opportunities. The Spurs’ guard shot 1-of-5 in the fourth quarter and committed four turnovers, including a critical defensive lapse that allowed Knicks wing OG Anunoby to tip in a Jalen Brunson miss in the final seconds. The play, which capped the Knicks’ historic comeback, left San Antonio trailing 108-107. Fox had the ball with 13.1 seconds left and a one-point lead, but Anunoby’s block set up the game-winning tip. Analysts noted that Fox could have avoided the turnover by holding the ball until a foul, which would have sent him to the free-throw line. Despite the criticism, Fox remained composed, dismissing the noise around him. “It’s not like people have my phone number and can call me,” he said with a smile.#spurs #new_york_knicks #de_aaron_fox #mitch_johnson #og_anunoby
Viral Female Spurs Fan Behind Coach Mitch Johnson Is Actually an OnlyFans Star Two women sitting courtside behind San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson have become a focal point of attention during the team’s playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Their presence, initially overlooked as background elements during broadcasts, has since sparked widespread curiosity and discussion on social media platforms. The pair, identified as content creators Julie J Swan and BlueBearI (known online as “Blue”), have drawn significant online interest due to their social media influence and their association with an OnlyFans account. The attention intensified during Game 3 of the series, when the two women were repeatedly visible behind the Spurs bench at Frost Bank Arena. Their outfits and animated reactions to key moments on the court quickly became viral content, with clips circulating across platforms like X, TikTok, and Instagram. By Game 4, their presence had become a recurring feature in broadcast coverage, drawing focus whenever the camera framed the Spurs sideline or highlighted pivotal plays. Blue, in particular, has garnered substantial attention due to her large following on Instagram, where she boasts nearly two million followers, and across other platforms, where she has over 3.5 million followers. Her promotion of an OnlyFans account has further fueled speculation about her identity and motivations. Julie J Swan, while less widely followed, has also built a growing presence on TikTok, where her audience has expanded rapidly since the clips went viral. Their courtside positioning has played a critical role in their visibility.#mitch_johnson #victor_wembanyama #frost_bank_arena #julie_j_swann #bluebeari
Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Thunder Past Spurs for 2-1 NBA Playoff Lead The Oklahoma City Thunder secured a crucial road victory in their Western Conference Finals series against the San Antonio Spurs, defeating the visitors 123-108 to take a 2-1 series lead. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, led the charge with 26 points, while the Thunder’s bench contributed significantly to the win, with four players scoring in double figures. The victory came after the Thunder overcame an early 15-point deficit, showcasing their resilience and depth in a high-stakes playoff matchup. The game began with a blistering start for the Spurs, who surged to a 15-0 lead within the first few minutes. However, the Thunder quickly regrouped, trimming the gap to 31-29 by the end of the first quarter. A pivotal moment came in the second quarter when Gilgeous-Alexander hit a crucial three-pointer, giving the Thunder the lead. The Thunder continued to dominate the second half, outscoring the Spurs 32-20 in the second quarter to take a 58-51 lead at halftime. Key contributors included Ajay Mitchell and Alex Caruso, who each scored 10 points to help solidify the lead. The intensity of the game escalated in the third quarter, culminating in a physical altercation between Thunder guard Jared McCain and Spurs guard Stephon Castle. The incident occurred after McCain shoved Castle as the latter leapt for a basket, causing Castle to skid off the court. The melee drew further attention as Devin Vassell of the Spurs got into a shoving match with Mitchell, sparking a chaotic moment on the court. Despite the disruption, the Thunder maintained their composure, extending their lead to 10 points (67-57) by the end of the third quarter.#san_antonio_spurs #mitch_johnson #oklahoma_city_thunder #shai_gilgeousalexander #mark_daigneault
Victor Wembanyama Nears $300M Spurs Contract After Dominant Playoff Performance Victor Wembanyama’s historic Game 1 performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder has intensified speculation about a potential $300 million contract extension with the San Antonio Spurs. The 22-year-old French star delivered a career-defining display in the Western Conference Finals, scoring 41 points and grabbing 24 rebounds as the Spurs edged the Thunder 122-115 in a double-overtime thriller. The game, which showcased Wembanyama’s dominance, came hours before reports emerged suggesting the Spurs could soon offer him a five-year deal worth between $255 million and $306 million. Analysts and insiders have consistently highlighted his value, with projections indicating the contract could surpass $300 million if Wembanyama meets performance milestones such as MVP or All-NBA honors. The Spurs’ victory over the Thunder, which included a thrilling overtime sequence, underscored Wembanyama’s growing influence in the league. His deep three-pointer in the second overtime period shifted momentum in San Antonio’s favor, allowing the team to secure a critical win in the series. The performance also marked a personal milestone, as Wembanyama became the youngest player in NBA history to record at least 41 points and 24 rebounds in a playoff game, surpassing the previous record held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Despite the Thunder’s efforts to rally behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Alex Caruso, Wembanyama’s relentless play kept the Spurs in control. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson praised the team’s resilience after the game, calling it a “great effort” from all players.#san_antonio_spurs #mitch_johnson #victor_wembanyama #oklahoma_city_thunder #shai_gilgeous_alexander
San Antonio Spurs Beat Oklahoma City Thunder in Conference Finals Opener Victor Wembanyama delivered a 40-20 performance as the San Antonio Spurs opened the NBA’s Conference finals with a double-overtime victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The game, played at the Thunder’s home arena, ended with a final score of 122-115, marking the first leg of a best-of-seven series. Wembanyama’s alley-oop dunk with 22 seconds left in the second overtime period sealed the win, giving him 41 points and 24 rebounds. At 22 years and 134 days old, he became the youngest player in NBA history to reach 40 points and 20 rebounds in a playoff game, joining Wilt Chamberlain (1960) as the only players to achieve this feat on their Conference finals debut. The matchup featured Wembanyama, the Spurs’ defensive player of the year and this season’s first overall draft pick, against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s two-time NBA Most Valuable Player. Gilgeous-Alexander, who received his MVP award before the game, contributed 24 points and 12 assists for the Thunder. The series began with a high-stakes battle, as both teams pushed for a lead through regulation and overtime. The Spurs ultimately prevailed after a dramatic finish, with Wembanyama’s dunk proving decisive. San Antonio’s rookie guard Dylan Harper added 24 points and 11 rebounds, while the Thunder’s Alex Caruso led the team with 31 points off the bench. Jalen Williams chipped in 26 points for Oklahoma City. Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged the challenge of facing the Spurs, stating, “We knew it was going to be a dog fight. We’ve just got to be better, me in particular.” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson praised Wembanyama’s ability to thrive under pressure, calling him a rare talent with “a desire to step into every moment that’s in front of him.#san_antonio_spurs #mitch_johnson #victor_wembanyama #oklahoma_city_thunder #shai_gilgeous_alexander
NBA Playoffs to Pose New Test for Spurs' Rookie Dylan Harper Dylan Harper, the second overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, is entering his rookie season with high expectations, but the upcoming playoffs may present unique challenges for the Spurs' young guard. While Harper has thrived in a supporting role this season, his ability to adapt to the heightened pressure of postseason play will be critical as the Spurs aim to advance further in the league. The Spurs, known for their resilience and depth, have largely dismissed concerns about their playoff readiness, but Harper’s untested experience in high-stakes games could become a focal point as the postseason approaches. Throughout the 2025-26 season, the Spurs have managed to maintain their competitive edge despite questions about their roster. Injuries have not significantly impacted their performance, and their balanced offensive approach—highlighted by versatile scoring and defensive versatility—has allowed them to remain a formidable force. However, the playoffs are a different beast, and Harper’s role in navigating that challenge will be scrutinized. As a rookie, Harper has primarily served as a reliable bench contributor, averaging 11.5 points and 3.9 assists per game while playing a smaller role than many second-overall picks. His ability to thrive in a secondary role has been a key factor in the Spurs’ success, but the playoffs demand a different kind of performance. The Spurs’ backcourt, which includes veteran stars like De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, has carried much of the offensive load this season. Harper has had the luxury of playing behind these established playmakers, allowing him to develop without the immediate pressure of carrying the team. However, the playoffs will test his ability to step up when the stakes are highest.#spurs #mitch_johnson #nba_playoffs #dylan_harper #deaaron_fox
Victor Wembanyama solidified his case for league MVP with a dominant defensive performance as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 123-98, securing home-court advantage in the first-round playoffs. The 7-foot-4 French forward finished with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and seven blocks, while adding two steals in 27 minutes. His efforts came after he argued that his defensive prowess should be the primary factor in his MVP consideration. The Spurs’ victory extended their winning streak to seven games and improved their record to 23-2 since February. The win also marked the team’s first 55-win season since the 2007-08 Boston Celtics, who had fewer than 35 wins the previous year. The Spurs’ 55-18 record now trails the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 57-16 mark by just two games in the Western Conference standings with nine regular-season games remaining. Wembanyama’s performance was highlighted by his ability to alter shots and disrupt Memphis’ offense. By halftime, he had already recorded five blocks, and he finished the game with seven. His defensive impact was so pronounced that it was difficult to track all the shots he forced the Grizzlies to miss. The Spurs’ victory also featured standout contributions from Devin Vassell, who scored 19 points on 70% shooting, and six players who reached double-figure scoring totals. The game’s most dramatic moment came when Wembanyama chased down GG Jackson II after the Grizzlies forward had scored on a fast break, slamming the ball over Jackson for a thunderous dunk. The Spurs’ dominance on both ends of the court was evident, as they outscored Memphis 63-36 in the paint and limited the Grizzlies to just 38% shooting. Memphis’ loss extended their losing streak to four games and their skid to 12 straight contests dating back to December.#san_antonio_spurs #mitch_johnson #victor_wembanyama #memphis_grizzlies #devin_vassell
Spurs' 50th Win Marks End of Rebuild, Wembanyama's Rise The San Antonio Spurs’ 50th victory of the season, secured with a gritty win over the undermanned Los Angeles Clippers, felt like a turning point. It marked the end of a prolonged rebuild that spanned nearly a decade, during which the team struggled to consistently exceed 22 wins in two of the past three seasons. The Spurs’ ability to surpass the 50-win threshold after nine years without such a feat signaled a return to competitiveness. The win, though hard-fought, underscored the team’s resilience. The Spurs fell behind by 14 points early in the game but clawed their way back to a 14-point halftime lead. Despite a late surge by the Clippers, San Antonio held on thanks to defensive stops, including a Victor Wembanyama block, and clutch free throws. “Sometimes when basketball is not working,” Wembanyama said, “we got to get nasty a little bit.” The Spurs’ resurgence is no accident. Over the past two months, they’ve defeated top-tier teams like the Thunder, Celtics, and Lakers, while maintaining a strong record against the Clippers and Pistons. Their offensive efficiency ranks first in the NBA since the All-Star break, and their net rating trails only Atlanta. Defensively, they sit sixth, solidifying their status as a legitimate playoff contender. Wembanyama has been central to this transformation. Once overlooked in MVP discussions, he’s now a front-runner, averaging 21 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks per game. Despite a subpar performance against the Clippers—where he shot 2 of 9 from three—he finished with 21 points and altered countless shots. His physicality has increased, as seen in his clashes with Chet Holmgren and his aggressive defense on Jayson Tatum.#san_antonio_spurs #los_angeles_clippers #mitch_johnson #victor_wembanyama #chicago_bulls
Spurs Coach Mitch Johnson Unveils Playoffs Strategy with Victor Wembanyama With fewer than 20 regular-season games remaining, San Antonio Spurs coach Mitch Johnson may have unveiled a pivotal playoff strategy centered around Victor Wembanyama. The team’s star player has been carefully managed throughout the season, but recent actions suggest a shift in approach. During a matchup against the Detroit Pistons, Johnson allowed Wembanyama to play 40 minutes, resulting in a dominant performance: 38 points, 16 rebounds, and five blocks. This decision highlights a potential game plan to maximize Wembanyama’s impact in the postseason. The Spurs have historically limited Wembanyama’s minutes to balance his workload and reduce injury risks, relying on players like Luke Kornet to share the offensive load. However, statistical analysis reveals Wembanyama’s efficiency when given full minutes. Per 36 minutes, he averages 29.2 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks—numbers that underscore his value in extended play. Transitioning from an average of 29.4 minutes per game in the regular season to 36 minutes in the playoffs could provide a significant edge for the Spurs. San Antonio is already positioned for a strong postseason, with a projected 59-win season, a top-10 offense, and a top-3 defense. The team’s current structure allows for flexibility in managing Wembanyama’s minutes, especially with the NBA playoffs’ scheduling gaps between games. This flexibility means Johnson can strategically increase Wembanyama’s workload without jeopardizing his health. The most critical matchup could come against the Oklahoma City Thunder, a team that has struggled to score against Wembanyama even under minutes restrictions.#spurs #mitch_johnson #victor_wembanyama #oklahoma_city_thunder #luk_kornet
De'Aaron Fox flirts with double-double Friday against Clippers De'Aaron Fox nearly recorded a double-double in the Spurs' 116-112 victory over the Clippers on Friday. The guard contributed 19 points, including 9 of 18 field goals and 1 of 8 three-pointers, along with nine assists, one steal, and two rebounds. His performance helped secure the win for San Antonio, showcasing his ability to impact the game both offensively and playmaking-wise. Fox has been consistent in his contributions over the past five games, posting three or more assists and seven or more points in each contest. This consistency has made him a reliable option for head coach Mitch Johnson, who has relied on Fox's versatility within a deep San Antonio roster. The guard’s efforts have translated to solid averages this season, with 18.8 points and 6.2 assists per game, alongside a usage rate of 24.3%. His ability to distribute the ball and score efficiently has been a key factor in the Spurs' success, particularly in high-pressure matchups. Against the Clippers, Fox’s nine assists highlighted his role as a playmaker, while his 19 points demonstrated his scoring capability. The performance also underscored his adaptability, as he managed to contribute in multiple facets of the game despite facing a strong defensive challenge from the Clippers. Fox’s recent stretch of productivity has positioned him as a critical piece of the Spurs' offensive strategy. His combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive contributions has made him a valuable asset for the team, especially in games where the Spurs need to generate consistent production from their backcourt. As the season progresses, Fox’s ability to maintain this level of performance will be crucial for the Spurs’ chances of competing in the competitive Western Conference.#san_antonio #spurs #de_aaron_fox #clippers #mitch_johnson
