The San Antonio Spurs secured their first victory of the 2026-27 NBA season, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 122-106 on Saturday. The win ended the Spurs’ two-game losing streak to start the year.
Head coach Mitch Johnson praised the team’s improved performance compared to their earlier losses against the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets. He highlighted the importance of maintaining high effort and teamwork going forward.
Johnson emphasizes effort and consistency
The Spurs possess a talented roster, but had a slow start to the season, disappointing fans and analysts alike. Victor Wembanyama, a leading candidate for the MVP award, struggled in the opening games, but found his form in the victory over the Mavericks.
Johnson noted that consistent effort was key to their success against Dallas. He stated, “Effort goes a long way. It’s as simple as it sounds. As talented as these guys are, consistent effort with just a little bit of togetherness and execution can really be something to grow upon and build upon.” He expressed hope that this newfound effort could be a foundation for future games.
Looking ahead, Johnson is optimistic that the performance against the Mavericks could signal a turning point for the Spurs. Earlier in the preseason, he indicated that the team wasn’t fully ready, but following the victory, he seems encouraged that they have the potential to cause problems for their competitors.
The Spurs aim to keep up the momentum as they prepare for upcoming matchups in the regular season.
