Mitch Johnson Should Remove Wembanyama’s Backup from Spurs Rotation in Game 6 vs. Thunder

The San Antonio Spurs enter Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals needing a major adjustment if they hope to extend the series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The clearest move, according to the team’s current struggles, is to remove Luke Kornet from the rotation. Victor Wembanyama’s backup has been heavily outplayed, with the Spurs being outscored by 52 points in Kornet’s 54 minutes during the series. In Game 5, Kornet contributed little, finishing with one rebound and three fouls while San Antonio lost his eight minutes by six points.

The Spurs have been much stronger in Wembanyama’s minutes, outscoring Oklahoma City by 42 points when their star center is on the floor. But Wembanyama appeared to wear down late in Game 5, underscoring the need to manage his workload more carefully. He cannot be expected to play 40 minutes, and San Antonio must find a way to survive the stretches when he rests.

That makes small-ball lineups the most realistic option. With Kornet struggling and other reserve big men such as Kelly Olynyk, Bismack Biyombo, Mason Plumlee, and even Harrison Barnes not providing a dependable answer, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson may need to lean into speed, switching, and perimeter versatility. A group featuring Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, and Keldon Johnson could give San Antonio more agility, better matchup flexibility, and enough rebounding effort to hold the line.

The gamble would not eliminate Oklahoma City’s size advantage. The Thunder would likely get easier looks at the rim and more chances on the offensive glass without a true center anchoring the paint. But the hope is that the Spurs can trade some interior defense for improved pace, tighter switching, and better control of the perimeter. Limiting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and reducing the impact of Oklahoma City’s role players becomes even more important in that scenario.

Dylan Harper is viewed as a key swing factor. The rookie guard has shown flashes of becoming a difference-maker, and San Antonio needs him to provide rebounding, playmaking, and energy in a bigger role. A breakout performance from Harper could help stabilize the Spurs while Wembanyama rests and give the team a chance to keep the game within reach.

Wembanyama is also expected to respond after a disappointing showing in Game 5, when he struggled to score and lacked his usual defensive dominance. Even so, the Spurs cannot rely on him alone. With their season on the line, they need a smarter rotation, more urgency, and a willingness to take risks.

The message is clear: if San Antonio wants to win Game 6, it may have to bench Kornet, go small, and trust a young, energetic lineup to survive the non-Wembanyama minutes. In a win-or-go-home setting, bold decisions may be the only path forward.