Mitch Johnson Seeks Offensive Adjustments After Spurs Drop NBA Finals Opener

The San Antonio Spurs entered the 2026 NBA Finals with confidence after navigating a challenging path through the Western Conference. For much of Game 1 against the New York Knicks, that confidence appeared justified as the Spurs controlled stretches of the contest and positioned themselves to begin the series with a victory.

Instead, San Antonio watched a promising opportunity slip away. After building momentum and briefly regaining the lead late in the fourth quarter, the Spurs struggled offensively down the stretch while the Knicks finished the game on an 11-0 run to secure a 105-95 victory.

In the aftermath of the loss, head coach Mitch Johnson focused on one of the key issues that contributed to the defeat: shot selection. While the Spurs generated a high volume of three-point attempts, the efficiency simply was not there, forcing the coaching staff to evaluate whether a different offensive approach is needed moving forward.

Johnson’s assessment was measured but honest. Although he stopped short of criticizing every perimeter attempt, he admitted that certain stretches of the game featured questionable decisions and emphasized the need for San Antonio to put greater pressure on the paint before relying so heavily on outside shooting.

1. Three-Point Strategy Falls Short

The Spurs entered Game 1 hoping to create offensive rhythm through pace and perimeter shooting. With Victor Wembanyama facing heavy defensive attention early in the game, San Antonio looked to spread the floor and generate opportunities from beyond the arc. At times, the approach created open looks. The Spurs moved the ball effectively and found shooters in transition, a strategy that has been a regular part of their offensive identity throughout the season. The problem was execution. San Antonio finished the night with just 11 made three-pointers on 43 attempts, a percentage that made it difficult to maintain offensive consistency against a disciplined Knicks defense. While modern NBA offenses often rely heavily on three-point shooting, Johnson acknowledged that not every attempt came within the natural flow of the offense. Some possessions appeared rushed, particularly during the second quarter, when San Antonio settled for perimeter shots instead of attacking more aggressively.

2. Johnson Wants More Interior Pressure

Following the loss, Johnson emphasized that the Spurs cannot afford to operate primarily from the outside. In his view, successful offense begins with attacking the paint and forcing defenses to react. By creating pressure near the basket, teams can generate higher-quality opportunities, including the very three-point shots San Antonio hopes to convert. Johnson believes that process was missing for extended stretches during Game 1. Rather than attacking inside and allowing perimeter opportunities to develop naturally, the Spurs often appeared to work in reverse. Too many possessions started and ended on the perimeter without forcing New York’s defense to collapse. The coach indicated that film review would help determine which shots were acceptable and which crossed the line into poor decision-making. Regardless of the final evaluation, Johnson made it clear that Game 2 will require a more balanced offensive attack built around paint touches and consistent pressure at the rim.

3. Reasons For Optimism Remain

Despite the disappointing finish, the Spurs have several reasons to remain confident heading into the next game. While the offense struggled from long range, the contest remained competitive deep into the fourth quarter. San Antonio’s defensive effort also kept the team within striking distance. The Knicks attempted only 31 three-pointers of their own and were not overwhelmingly efficient from beyond the arc, suggesting that neither side delivered a perfect offensive performance. The Spurs also know that their season-long numbers indicate they are capable of better shooting nights. While they ranked near the middle of the league in three-point accuracy during the regular season, they were significantly more effective than what they displayed in Game 1. For Johnson and his staff, the challenge now is identifying the proper adjustments without overreacting to a single result. The series remains young, and the margin between victory and defeat was shaped largely by execution in key moments. If San Antonio can generate more paint pressure, improve shot quality, and rediscover offensive balance, the Spurs will have a strong opportunity to respond in Game 2 and prevent the Knicks from taking complete control of the Finals.