It's hard to talk about the San Antonio Spurs' success this season and not mention the play of one Keldon Johnson. Johnson has been with the Spurs long enough to bridge three eras: the LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan era, the rebuild years, and now the reign of Victor Wembanyama.
That makes him the backbone of the Spurs, and he is now playing like it. His difference in play this season compared to last year has been subtle but important.
Last season, his shooting within three feet improved dramatically, going from 63.6% the year before to 70.