The ‘simple things’ Mitch Johnson credits for Spurs’ Game 3 improvements vs. Knicks

Mitch Johnson pulled off some simple adjustments that helped the San Antonio Spurs get back on track in their victory over the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals on Monday night.

Going into the game, San Antonio trailed 2-0 in the championship series. They lost at home to New York in Games 1 and 2, needing to bounce back on the road in hostile territory.

They completed the first step of that objective, stunning the Knicks in Madison Square Garden to force a Game 5 back to San Antonio. Johnson reflected on the win after the game, explaining how he and the team adjusted to perform better in Game 3.

“I thought we made some strides in terms of ball movement, playing with our teammates, setting screens… I just thought we were in attack mode but also as a collective group,” Johnson said. “Game plan execution, starting in the right spots, early communication, good switching… and then just working through the possessions.”

Mitch Johnson credits the Spurs' strong fourth quarter to "the simple things:"

"Game plan execution, starting in the right spots, early communication, good switching… and then just working through the possessions" pic.twitter.com/IeF2mRiNvu

— SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) June 9, 2026

How Mitch Johnson, Spurs performed against Knicks

Mitch Johnson and the Spurs reduced their series deficit down to 2-1, stunning the Knicks in Game 3 as they extend the series by at least one more game after Game 4.

Six players scored in double-digits for San Antonio in the win. Victor Wembanyama led the team with a big stat line of 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists, three blocks, and two steals. He shot 11-of-18 from the field, including 2-of-4 from beyond the arc, and 8-of-9 from the free-throw line. Stephon Castle came next with 23 points and five assists, Dylan Harper had 13 points and nine rebounds, while De’Aaron Fox and Julian Champagnie scored 12 points each. Meanwhile, Devin Vassell provided 11 points and four rebounds.

The Spurs look to even the series at two games apiece when they face the Knicks in Game 4. The contest will commence on June 10 at 8:30 p.m. ET.

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