The NBA Finals are a stage where heroes are made and weaknesses are exposed. Right now, the San Antonio Spurs find themselves in a precarious position, down 0-2 against the New York Knicks, and a significant part of their struggle boils down to one glaring issue: their lack of size and physicality at the forward positions. This isn’t a new problem, but it’s one that’s been magnified under the bright lights of the Finals. And at the center of this dilemma is Keldon Johnson, a player who was expected to be a cornerstone of the Spurs’ solution, not a question mark.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how Johnson’s role has shifted from being a reliable Sixth Man of the Year to someone whose impact is now being questioned. Personally, I think the Spurs’ reliance on Johnson highlights a broader issue in their roster construction. They knew coming into the season that the big forward spot was a weakness, yet they patched it with temporary solutions like Harrison Barnes and Julian Champagnie. While Champagnie’s switchability and shooting helped stabilize the lineup, it was always clear that Johnson was the only player they could truly count on for size and energy.
One thing that immediately stands out is how Johnson’s struggles in the playoffs have been exacerbated by the Knicks’ unique matchup in Karl-Anthony Towns. Towns’ ability to stretch the floor forces Victor Wembanyama out of the paint, neutralizing one of the Spurs’ biggest defensive weapons. In my opinion, this is where Johnson’s absence is felt most acutely. He’s not just a big body; he’s someone who, at his best, can guard bigger forwards, crash the boards, and provide a spark on offense. But right now, he’s logging minimal minutes and producing even less, which raises a deeper question: Can the Spurs survive without him stepping up?
What many people don’t realize is that Johnson’s value goes beyond the stats. He’s a locker room leader, a player whose energy and hustle can shift the momentum of a game. Every time he drives to the rim, screams “and-one,” or grabs an offensive rebound, he injects life into his teammates. In a series where the Spurs are staring at a historic 2-0 deficit, that kind of intangible impact could be the difference between going home and mounting a comeback.
From my perspective, the Spurs’ dilemma with Johnson is emblematic of a larger trend in the NBA: the increasing importance of versatile forwards who can defend multiple positions and contribute on both ends. The Knicks have exploited this gap ruthlessly, and while Johnson isn’t the sole answer to their problems, he’s a piece they desperately need to function. If you take a step back and think about it, this series is as much about Johnson’s ability to rediscover his form as it is about the Spurs’ ability to adapt.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how the betting markets have reacted to Johnson’s struggles. FanDuel’s odds of him achieving 8.5 combined points and rebounds in Game 3 were set at -102, with the under at -130. This isn’t just a reflection of his current form; it’s a commentary on how little is expected of him right now. What this really suggests is that the Spurs’ fate in this series might hinge on whether Johnson can defy those expectations.
In the end, the Spurs need more from Keldon Johnson, not just because of his physical tools, but because of what he represents—a player who embodies the grit and determination this team needs to climb out of this hole. Personally, I think he has it in him. The question is whether he can find it in time. If he does, this series could still have a few twists left. If not, the Spurs might be looking at a long offseason of reevaluation.
