San Antonio Spurs coach Mitch Johnson was direct after his team's Game 5 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night. Victor Wembanyama had 20 points in the loss, and Johnson said it was not enough.
According to ESPN, Johnson said "we're going to need to" get Wembanyama going if the Spurs are going to survive and force a Game 7. San Antonio now faces elimination in Game 6.
Wembanyama is the centerpiece of the Spurs franchise, the generational talent the team has built around since he was taken with the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. A 20-point game in most contexts would be acceptable production, but in a playoff elimination situation, the Spurs need more from their star if they hope to extend the series.
The Thunder have controlled the series. Oklahoma City has the Spurs on the brink, and if San Antonio cannot get a better performance out of Wembanyama in Game 6, their season ends.
Johnson did not offer specific details on what changes might come in Game 6, but his message after the loss was clear. The Spurs need Wembanyama to take over.
Game 6 is the next step for a San Antonio team fighting to stay alive.
