Mitch Johnson Stands By No-Timeout Call in 104-102 Game 1 Loss

Mitch Johnson had no regret about leaving a timeout unused on the Spurs’ final possession in their 104-102 Game 1 loss to the Timberwolves. The decision sent Julian Champagnie into a buzzer-beating 3-point attempt that missed, ending San Antonio’s chance to tie or win.

Johnson and the last play

Johnson said the Spurs had enough time to push after the rebound and did not want to stop the action. "On the last play, we just got a rebound, and it felt like they weren't organized and that there was enough time for us to push the ball and get a look, but we didn't push it right away," he said. "So it got to that do-or-die moment where you have to decide whether to call a timeout or not."

He said the possession belonged to the players once the rebound was secured. "I thought Dylan did a good job pushing the ball and kicking it ahead to Julian," Johnson said. "Julian had a fly-by and got a three-pointer in rhythm."

Champagnie’s look for San Antonio

Johnson did not back away from the shot Champagnie took at the horn. "I had no problem with the shot, I thought it was a great shot," he said. "I hope he shoots it every time."

That final sequence came after Minnesota finished the closing stretch with a 7-0 run over the last two minutes to take control. San Antonio had tightened its defense in the last minute and earned one final possession, but the Spurs did not push the ball right away and had to settle for the hurried finish.

Timberwolves close Game 1

The loss left the Spurs with a one-possession defeat in a playoff game decided by a single miss. Mike Conley, Naz Reid and Terrence Shannon Jr. were part of the Timberwolves side that held on after the late swing, and Johnson’s choice to skip the timeout became the focal point after the game.

For San Antonio, the issue is not the shot selection alone. It is whether the Spurs want the ball in motion, with Johnson trusting the break, or a set play after a timeout when Game 1 is on the line.