Why Spurs' Keldon Johnson Was Benched vs. Jazz
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson checked out of the game with a little more than two minutes to go in the first quarter ... but didn't return to the game after that.
Johnson, who some considered to be the Spurs' best player apart from Victor Wembanyama at the beginning of the season, has been struggling mightily for San Antonio as of late. He is averaging just 11.3 points per game in the month of February after averaging 14.8 in January.
Jan 2, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich (left) talks with forward Keldon Johnson (3) during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum.
© Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
After the game, assistant coach Mitch Johnson stepped in for an under-the-weather Gregg Popovich to explain the reason behind the benching.
"Just repetitive mistakes," Mitch Johnson said. "Sometimes you need to change up the messaging and change up the accountability or how you do things and Pop (Gregg Popovich) is the best at it."
In order for the Spurs to be competitive, Keldon Johnson has to be on his A-game on both ends of the floor. If he's not, San Antonio doesn't stand much of a chance.
Perhaps this benching will give him a wakeup call as he trudges through the final stretch of the season.
Johnson and the Spurs return to the floor tomorrow against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.
