Spurs' adjustments deliver first win against short-handed Mavericks

San Antonio beat Dallas 122-106 for its first win after coach Mitch Johnson adjusted the rotation and playbook and challenged his team's effort. [5][6] The Spurs trailed by six when Johnson called a second-quarter timeout, then finished with 34 assists, 12 turnovers and 25 second-chance points. [6] Dallas played without Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving, limiting what the result alone establishes about San Antonio's progress. [6] Why it matters: The victory supplied a concrete response to Johnson's criticism of inconsistent habits: San Antonio forced 21 Dallas turnovers and won the fourth quarter 30-17. [6] But Johnson said the team's performance floor remained "way too low" after three games, distinguishing a successful adjustment from a settled standard. [6] Key insights: Johnson's timeout followed a defensive sequence in which San Antonio allowed an open transition three and then a Daniel Gafford putback. [6] | Victor Wembanyama, Dylan Harper, De'Aaron Fox and Steph Castle combined for 83 points, 21 assists, 19 rebounds and nine steals. [6] | San Antonio's 15 offensive rebounds generated 25 second-chance points, making extra possessions a measurable part of the win. [6] | The Spurs were on the second night of a back-to-back, while Dallas lacked Flagg and Irving; both conditions matter when assessing the performance. [6] Cheatsheet facts: What happened: San Antonio secured its first victory, beating Dallas 122-106. [5][6] | Why: After Johnson's adjustments, the Spurs finished with 34 assists, forced 21 turnovers and scored 25 second-chance points. [6] | The catch: Dallas was missing Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving, and Johnson still described San Antonio's performance floor as "way too low." [6]