Spurs HC Mitch Johnson Reveals Official’s Bizarre Explanation After Missing Goal-Tending Challenge

The Oklahoma City Thunder now lead 3-2 against the San Antonio Spurs.

Spurs HC Mitch Johnson Reveals Official’s Bizarre Explanation After Missing Goal-Tending Challenge

Mitch Johnson (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • Mitch Johnson expressed frustration over a missed goaltending challenge that led to a technical foul during Game 5.
  • The Spurs lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder 127-114, trailing 3-2 in the Western Conference Finals.
  • Victor Wembanyama struggled against Isaiah Hartenstein, scoring only 20 points in Game 5.

Mitch Johnson and the San Antonio Spurs find themselves on the brink of elimination for the first time in the playoffs this year. The head coach erupted after a whistle that did not go in the Spurs’ favor. The incident took place in the final minute of the third quarter.

There was a lot of pressure on both sides heading into Game 5. But in the end, the Spurs fell short as they succumbed to a 127-114 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Paycom Center on Tuesday night. The loss means that the Spurs trail 3-2 in the Western Conference Finals.

Towards the end of the third quarter, Spurs backup center Luke Kornet soared for a pushback after De’Aaron Fox missed a floater. However, Cason Wallace stopped Kornet at the rim and swatted the ball away.

Later, replays showed that it was a goaltending infraction. Johnson turned to the referees to challenge the call. The referees did not grant him a review, and play continued, much to Johnson’s frustration. The frustrated head coach was later hit with a technical foul.

After the game, Johnson was asked if he was given any explanation for not being allowed to challenge the no-call. He replied:

They just said they didn’t see me.

Mitch Johnson in his post match press conference

It was not a great night for the Spurs after their dominant performance in Game 4. This is Mitch Johnson’s second season as head coach of the Spurs. After missing the playoffs last year, he has done a good job in leading the Spurs to second place in the Western Conference standings and to their first Conference Finals in nine years.

The Spurs are just one loss away from getting knocked out. It is the first time the Spurs have found themselves in this position in the playoffs this year. It remains to be seen if their lack of playoff experience will play a role in this series. Game 6 at home will be a huge test of character for Johnson and his young squad.

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Mitch Johnson on the free-throw disparity for OKC from Game 4 to Game 5

One of the main differences between Games 4 and 5 for the Spurs is the number of free throws conceded. After shooting just 18 free throws in Game 4, OKC shot 38 on Tuesday night. The Thunder’s main scorer, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, led the way with 17 free throw attempts.

Following the loss, Mitch Johnson spoke about the free-throw disparity for OKC from game 4 to game 5.

Fouls or not we need to be more aware of when we’re in the bonus and so they got some free throws where they weren’t in an advantage at the moment, or we weren’t in a bad spot or out of position. The overly physical stuff, if you give the ref the opportunity to call it and now someone gets free throws and didn’t really have to work to get to that.

Mitch Johnson in his post match press conference

The Spurs need to be a lot more disciplined with their fouling from now on. With their backs against the wall, they cannot risk another game in which the Thunder end up shooting so many free throws.

Isaiah Hartenstein outplayed Victor Wembanyama in Game 5

There has been a lot of talk about the way OKC has been defending Victor Wembanyama. Isaiah Hartenstein has been criticized for his physical play on Wembanyama in this series. He did a good job in controlling Wembanyama in Game 5 after the French star’s staggering performance in Game 4.

Victor Wembanyama being defended by Isaiah Hartenstein
Victor Wembanyama being defended by Isaiah Hartenstein (Image via L’Equipe/X)

After the game, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins said that Hartenstein outplayed Wembanyama on both ends of the court in Game 5.

I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but Wemby got punked tonight. Isaiah Hartenstein outplayed him on both ends of the floor.

Kendrick Perkins on SportsCenter

Wembanyama was restricted to just 20 points and six rebounds in Game 5. The Spurs will need a much better performance from their star player if they have any chance of forcing a Game 7.

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