Spurs coach gets flamed for crucial decision in Game 1 vs. Timberwolves

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Spurs coach gets flamed for crucial decision in Game 1 vs. Timberwolves

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Rex Villas | Last updated May 5, 2026 12:47 PM ET

A timeout could have saved the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of their second-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday.

But Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson opted not to use one in the final seconds of the contest, as San Antonio fell prey to Anthony Edwards and company, 104-102, at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.

San Antonio retrieved possession of the leather after a missed jumper by Timberwolves forward Julius Randle with just under 10 seconds left in regulation and the Spurs trailing by two points.

The Spurs could have called for a timeout to design a play for at least a game-tying shot, but Johnson let the play continue, leading to a missed 3-point attempt by Spurs forward Julian Champagnie at the buzzer.

pic.twitter.com/vx8RAMs7WZ
— Gonzalo Vázquez (@GVazquezNY) May 5, 2026

Basketball experts on social media immediately criticized Johnson for not using a timeout.

Every San Antonio fan when Mitch Johnson aint call that timeout in the 4th pic.twitter.com/zxLneEQShq
— #LongLiveAyeGee (@RaySkiTheKing) May 5, 2026

if Mitch Johnson had a redo…. should have called the timeout… players were just standing around and no one wanted to take the last shot. pic.twitter.com/WctFThwWMe
— Cris Diokno (@cristeven) May 5, 2026

Mitch Johnson knows what a timeout is? Asking for a friend.
— Hec210 (@HecR210) May 5, 2026

Mitch Johnson has never met a timeout he has liked before
— uno back soon (@packemupuno) May 5, 2026

Mitch Johnson master class by not taking that timeout
— Drip (@DripMetaX) May 5, 2026

On the contrary, Champagnie got a great look with his shot, one San Antonio likely could live with even if he missed it coming out of a timeout. By not calling a timeout, the Spurs simply tried to attack a seemingly jumbled Minnesota defense, as Johnson explained after the game.

“It felt like they weren’t organized and there was enough time for us to push the ball and get a look, Johnson said, via Don Harris of News 4 San Antonio. “Julian got a fly-by, got a 3-pointer in rhythm. I had no problem with the shot.”

The Spurs will look to get back at Minnesota in Game 2 on Wednesday, still at Frost Bank Center.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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