San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson praised Keldon Johnson and the Spurs’ overall team effort following Tuesday’s dominant 126-97 Game 5 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals. Johnson responded after a quiet Game 4 performance by scoring 21 points off the bench in just 22 minutes, helping the Spurs regain control of the series and move within one win of the Western Conference Finals. Fox San Antonio’s Dusty Garza later took to X, formerly Twitter, to share video and comments from Johnson’s postgame press conference, discussing the importance of the Spurs’ collective energy and Johnson’s impact in particular during the blowout victory.
“Mitch Johnson credited multiple San Antonio Spurs players for stepping up when the team needed it most, saying that collective effort was huge tonight.
He also singled out Keldon Johnson, saying when he plays with energy, good things usually follow.”
Mitch Johnson credited multiple San Antonio Spurs players for stepping up when the team needed it most, saying that collective effort was huge tonight.
He also singled out Keldon Johnson, saying when he plays with energy, good things usually follow. pic.twitter.com/px1duqQMgw
— SpursRΞPORTΞR (@SpursReporter) May 13, 2026
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The versatile forward’s aggressive play style immediately gave the Spurs a spark off the bench, helping shift momentum early as the team built a double-digit lead before halftime. Along with his 21-point performance, Johnson chipped in two rebounds, two steals, and one block while bringing energy on both ends of the floor throughout the night. His physicality continued to frustrate the Timberwolves’ second unit during extended stretches of the game.
Victor Wembanyama bounced back from his Game 4 ejection with 27 points, 17 rebounds, and three blocks, while De’Aaron Fox helped control the tempo as San Antonio dictated the pace from the opening tip. The Spurs’ defensive pressure overwhelmed the Timberwolves throughout the night, forcing costly turnovers and limiting Minnesota’s offensive rhythm as San Antonio comfortably maintained control in the second half.
With the series now shifting back to Minnesota for Game 6, the Spurs sit one win away from reaching the Western Conference Finals.
San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson praised Keldon Johnson and the Spurs’ overall team effort following Tuesday’s dominant 126-97 Game 5 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals. Johnson responded after a quiet Game 4 performance by scoring 21 points off the bench in just 22 minutes, helping the Spurs regain control of the series and move within one win of the Western Conference Finals.