Keldon Johnson Aims for Spurs Award Unclaimed for 18 Years
The San Antonio Spurs secured a major milestone this week. They clinched the Southwest Division for the first time in nine seasons and earned their first playoff spot since 2019.
Wembanyama’s MVP Case
Victor Wembanyama has publicly argued for MVP consideration. The 22-year-old outlined a three-part case for the award.
San Antonio improved to 56-18 after a 127-95 victory over Milwaukee. The Spurs sit two games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Season numbers
Wembanyama is averaging 24.3 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game. He anchors the league’s third-best defense and leads the NBA.com MVP Ladder.
Keldon Johnson’s Sixth Man Campaign
Keldon Johnson has launched his own case for recognition. He made his argument during an appearance on NBA Prime.
Johnson stressed his consistency and efficiency off the bench. He emphasized that his team’s success supports his candidacy.
Supporting statistics
Johnson averages 13 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. He is shooting 53.3 percent from the field, one of the best rates for a non-center.
Earlier in his career, Johnson averaged 22 points as a starter. He accepted a bench role as the roster evolved around him.
Team Backing and Endorsements
Wembanyama publicly backed Johnson’s bid. He praised Johnson’s sacrifices and called him the team’s soul.
- Head coach Mitch Johnson echoed that praise.
- Guard Dylan Harper offered public support.
- Forward Julian Champagnie also endorsed Johnson.
San Antonio’s eight-game winning streak continued with the Milwaukee win. The team has nine regular-season games left and a second-place seed secured.
Historical Context
If Johnson wins the Sixth Man award, he would be the first Spur to do so since Manu Ginobili. Ginobili earned the honor in 2007-08.
That season Ginobili received 123 of 124 first-place votes. He averaged 19.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists while shooting 46 percent.
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victor Wembanyama | 24.3 | 11.2 | 3.1 blocks |
| Keldon Johnson | 13.0 | 5.4 | 53.3% FG |
| Manu Ginobili (2007-08) | 19.5 | 4.8 | 4.5 ast, 46% FG |
San Antonio’s internal campaign aims to highlight role and impact. Keldon Johnson is pursuing a Spurs award that has gone unclaimed for 18 years.
Filmogaz.com will continue to monitor the race as the regular season concludes. Both individual awards and playoff positioning remain in play.
