San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson addressed the media on Tuesday, June 2, ahead of Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks, offering detailed insight into Victor Wembanyama’s evolution and the team’s playoff approach.

On how defenses have adjusted to Wembanyama over time, Johnson said, “I think just his physical maturation has probably evolved some of that naturally.”

He continued by outlining how development and spacing have shifted coverage patterns: “In terms of when he first got here as a 19-year-old, the smaller physical guy that could get up underneath him was a problem.”

Johnson also pointed to skill growth as a key factor in how opponents now defend the Spurs star. “I think his shooting’s improved. So that’s also probably been an added dynamic that teams account for at times whether they’re trying to take away this versus that.”

He added that team context has become central to how defenses scheme. “And I think there’s also probably a big element of his teammates. I think his teammates have grown with him and the team has gotten better.”

Looking at playoff strategy more broadly, Johnson emphasized the trade-offs defenses face. “There’s something you have to give up when you take something away. That’s just what happens when you play great players and really good teams.”

On the topic of experience and the Spurs’ playoff run, Johnson addressed how the team frames pressure situations. “I do think experience matters. I just think a lot of times we use the term anticipating or expecting the use of it, not necessarily knowing how it’s going to be used.”

He expanded on the team’s internal focus areas throughout the season, stressing repetition over narrative. “We said habits, consistency, execution, fundamentals, attention to detail, style of play, branded basketball, etc., etc., etc. We’ve said all those words probably a hundred times more than the word experience.”

Johnson also explained how the group responds to adversity during the postseason. “When we have adversity or success or instability or different things that you go through that you can’t always control, you tend to anchor to something.”

He added, “I think at times experience is something that’s very well suited to be anchored to if you use it in the right way as an individual or collective group.”

On Stephon Castle’s defensive workload across the postseason, Johnson described his impact without direct comparisons. “The output of energy in terms of what he does defensively and offensively, it’s similar to Victor in the terms of he’s basically in the middle of every single play offensively or defensively, but he’s on the basketball.”

He also noted Castle’s volatility in box score perception versus impact. “He had 20 plus turnovers in two games. And if you watch the rest, you’d have no idea.”

Regarding De’Aaron Fox’s injury management through the Western Conference Finals, Johnson said, “He’s had it reaggravated at times and his level of toughness physically, mentally.”

He added that Fox’s presence impacted team structure even beyond scoring. “At some stage probably his value was just being out there, right.”

On Gregg Popovich’s continued presence within the organization, Johnson described a working relationship built on dialogue and trust. “My relationship with Pop, the dynamic has obviously changed by the roles that we’re in now, but the relationship has stayed the same in terms of feedback, discussion, challenging each other, supporting each other.”

He concluded, “He’s a pretty good resource for what I’ve been walking through since October and up until now.”