The San Antonio Spurs are quietly putting together a season that’s turning heads-and Thursday night’s win over the Utah Jazz was another step in the right direction. That victory marked their 31st of the season, and it didn’t come on the back of just one star performance. It was a full-team effort, the kind of balanced showing that’s become a calling card for this group.
At the heart of it all? Keldon Johnson.
Now in his seventh season with San Antonio, Johnson has grown into more than just a key contributor-he’s become the emotional compass for this young Spurs squad. At 26, he’s the longest-tenured active player on the roster, and that experience is starting to show in ways that go well beyond the box score.
What makes Johnson’s leadership so effective is that it’s organic. He’s not the loudest guy in the room, but his energy is contagious.
Teammates gravitate toward him because of his authenticity-he’s approachable, he’s consistent, and he’s all-in. That bond was on full display earlier this season when he shaved his head in solidarity with rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama.
It was a small gesture, sure, but it spoke volumes about the culture being built in San Antonio-and about the kind of leader Johnson has become.
Head coach Mitch Johnson, in his second year at the helm but a longtime presence within the organization, has seen Keldon’s evolution up close. After the win over Utah, Coach Johnson praised his veteran forward not just for what he brings on the court, but for how he carries himself through the ups and downs.
“Keldon is a prime example for every player, but especially young players, kids out there,” the coach said. “He’s making as many mistakes as everybody. But his energy, his effort, his competitiveness, his multiple efforts to get to the next thing-it’s at such a high level that it allows him to find a rhythm and find himself in the middle of plays.”
That’s the kind of presence you can’t always quantify. Sure, Johnson may not be lighting up the scoreboard every night, but his value to this team runs deeper.
He’s the guy diving for loose balls, closing out hard on shooters, and lifting teammates when the game gets tight. He’s the guy who sets the tone.
And for a Spurs team that’s still growing and finding its identity, that kind of steady hand is invaluable.
As the season rolls on, San Antonio will continue to lean on its young core, headlined by Wembanyama’s game-changing talent. But don’t overlook the importance of having someone like Keldon Johnson anchoring the locker room.
He’s been through the grind. He knows what it means to wear that Spurs jersey.
And now, he’s showing the next generation how it’s done.
For San Antonio, that’s just as important as any stat line.