PORTLAND, Ore. – As the NBA playoffs intensify, all eyes are on the San Antonio Spurs and their rising star, Victor Wembanyama. However, regardless of Wembanyama’s participation in Game 3 against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, the focus for interim Trail Blazers coach Tiago Splitter is undoubtedly on Spurs guard Keldon Johnson.
This week, Johnson earned the prestigious title of the league’s Sixth Man of the Year, a significant achievement that highlights his remarkable contribution off the bench. With a franchise-record 1,081 points scored this season while coming off the bench, Johnson has proven himself as a pivotal player for San Antonio.
“He’s going to rebound, he’s going to crash. He’s going to drive to the basket,” Splitter commented, reflecting on Johnson’s versatility and tenacity on the court. “So, amazing season for him.” Such accolades not only showcase Johnson’s skill set but also his commitment to the team, making him a formidable opponent for the Blazers.
Keldon Johnson’s achievement is particularly remarkable as he becomes the second Spurs player to receive the Sixth Man of the Year award, following the legendary Manu Ginobili, who won it in 2008. This lineage of excellence underscores the Spurs’ tradition of developing impactful players who can shine in unique roles.
Splitter emphasized the importance of humility in Johnson’s role. “To be in that role, you got to be a little humble,” he said. “Even though when you have great games and you’re not starting, you got to be humble enough to stay with that role, being the six man and take advantage of that.” This attitude is crucial in a league where ego can often overshadow teamwork.
The upcoming Game 3, which will take place in Portland at 9:30 p.m. Friday, promises to be an exciting showdown. With the series currently tied at one win apiece for each team, both the Trail Blazers and Spurs are poised to capitalize on their respective strengths. The performance of players like Keldon Johnson could very well determine the outcome of this pivotal game.
