Keldon Johnson played a pivotal role in the San Antonio Spurs' blowout win in Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Frost Bank Center on Tuesday.
No, it was not because he almost pulled down Naz Reid's shorts in the first half.
Johnson scored 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting in 22 minutes off the bench, proving anew why he deserved to be named Sixth Man of the Year. He added two rebounds, two steals, and one block.
The Spurs took a 3-2 lead in the second-round series and are now a step closer to advancing to the conference finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Johnson, who has been the vocal leader of San Antonio, was pumped up after Game 5.
“One more. All right, we got one more. One more. Stay together, rely on our habits, and continue to play how we play,” said Johnson.
staying together 💯 pic.twitter.com/YFZ8bvc4fG
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) May 13, 2026
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Stephon Castle echoed Johnson's message.
“It felt good. It always feels good playing in front of our crowd. It's 3-2 now, we gotta get it done on the road. The game's always harder on the road,” said Castle, who had 17 points, four rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
Coach Mitch Johnson tipped his hat to the 26-year-old Johnson for his performance, noting that his energy is usually a barometer for the Spurs.
The former Kentucky standout is averaging 11.2 points and 3.8 rebounds in 20.2 minutes against the Timberwolves. But perhaps more importantly, he has been the emotional engine, empowering Castle, Victor Wembanyama, and Dylan Harper to play at a high level in their first run in the playoffs.
Game 6 returns to Minnesota on Friday.
Keldon Johnson played a pivotal role in the San Antonio Spurs' blowout win in Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Frost Bank Center on Tuesday. No, it was not because he almost pulled down Naz Reid's shorts in the first half. Johnson scored 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting in 22 minutes off the bench, proving anew why he deserved to be named Sixth Man of the Year.