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Spurs' Keldon Johnson Makes Franchise History on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Apr 3, 2026 1:49 AM ET

The San Antonio Spurs have been one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the 2025-26 NBA season. Most of it has to do with Victor Wembanyama, who has emerged as an MVP-like star. On Thursday, the Spurs' productive surge continued as they won their 11th straight game, beating the Los Angeles Clippers, 118-99.

Amid Wembanyama's absence, the team worked together to keep their win streak alive. De'Aaron Fox led the team in scoring with 22 points on 69.2%. Fox also had eight rebounds, five assists and three steals.

However, it was a special night for forward Keldon Johnson, who had 13 points off the bench. Before the start of the game, he had a total of 990 points. He is No. 2 in the league in points off the bench, trailing Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Keldon Johnson Scores 1,000 Points Off the Bench

Against the Clippers, he finished with 13 points and six assists, which brings his scoring total to 1,003 this season. Johnson became the first bench player in Spurs history to reach the scoring mark. In the past, it was NBA legend Manu Ginobili who had the record with 927 points during the 2007-08 season. Ginobili won the Sixth Man of the Year award that time.

Keldon Johnson just became the first player in San Antonio Spurs franchise history to score 1,000 points in a season off the bench.
— Jordan Howenstine (@AirlessJordan) April 3, 2026

Johnson's strong showing off the bench has made him a favorite to win the Sixth Man of the Year this season. After the win over the Clippers, rookie guard Dylan Harper campaigned for the veteran forward to win the award.

“The role he's taken, how he just strives in his role, is the best thing ever for us. I think he's kind of a glue guy, as everyone says. He's just someone who comes in every day with a smile on his face. And he has the most energy ... you see it every night, he contributes in a big way,” Harper said.

Over the weekend, Johnson also started to pitch himself as a potential winner of the award during his interview with Taylor Rooks on NBA on Prime.

“When it comes to the Sixth Man award, I feel like I’ve played every game this season and planning on finishing on 82 [games], God willing,” Johnson said. “I feel like I’m efficient, I’m starring in my role and my team is winning… How can you not say I'm the Sixth Man of the Year?”

"How can you not say I'm the Sixth Man of the Year?"

Keldon Johnson makes his case ️ pic.twitter.com/h15roAPWtd
— NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) March 28, 2026

If Johnson wins the award, he will be the second player in franchise history to receive it. Aside from the scoring, the Spurs forward has also been one of the most reliable players for the team. He's averaging 5.3 rebounds and shooting 52.8% from the field.

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

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