Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper were impressive for the San Antonio Spurs as they blew out the Oklahoma City Thunder 118-91 in Game 6 on Thursday to make it 3-3 in the Western Conference Finals. But one rookie caught the attention of the Spurs’ coach, Mitch Johnson, who played for eight minutes during the game.

Carter Bryant's stat line from Game 6 was modest with two points, four rebounds, and one turnover in eight minutes off the bench with a +2 plus/minus. But what Johnson saw in those eight minutes was something the box score doesn't fully capture. After the game, he was direct about what he wants from his 20-year-old rookie and what happens when he gets it.

"Carter has been as coachable as anybody," Johnson said. "At times, he probably has tried to do the right thing too much. And I think that's where, at times, the urgency and the competitiveness of myself comes out, because I just want that kid to play fast and aggressive.”

“When he plays free and allows his instincts to follow his athleticism and aggressiveness, good things happen. And when he can be disciplined a little bit on top of it, it's fun to watch,” Johnson added.

Johnson’s comments have context. Bryant, in his rookie season, has been so eager to execute the gameplan correctly that he sometimes hesitates where instinct should take over.

Bryant’s breakthrough moment came in Game 1 of the series. He played 14 minutes in that match and finished with a +10 plus/minus. He was able to make Shai Gilgeous-Alexander uncomfortable throughout that entire period.

Then, in the next game, SGA put him on skates. That tough night reminded him and others how steep the learning curve is for a rookie in the NBA.

Through the first five games of this series, Carter Bryant averaged 2.9 points and 2.3 rebounds. The production was secondary to his role. But what Johnson wanted was for Bryant to get the habit of playing fast and trusting instincts in tough situations.

The series, for Bryant, has been a reflection of what Johnson described. He has shown flashes of what he can be when he plays free. However, he has been interrupted by moments where the weight of the situation makes him a bit tentative.

In the six games of the Western Conference Finals, Bryant has been averaging nine minutes per match with 2.5 points. But his overall 48% field goal percentage during the entire playoffs has shown what he is capable of.

What Game 7 looks like for Carter Bryant and what Mitch Johnson needs from him

Game 7 represents the ultimate test for Carter Bryant. Every possession will matter in that final game.

Bryant's value to this Spurs team has always been on the defensive end. His height, his athleticism, and his willingness to guard the opponent's best perimeter players have made him a trusted option for Johnson in critical moments.

He was tasked with defending SGA in stretches of Game 1 and produced a +10. That same task could return for him in Game 7 if Johnson needs fresh legs on the league's best player in a close fourth quarter.

As Johnson has said, he will have to play fast and play aggressively. More importantly, he will have to trust his instincts.

For a rookie who has spent his entire debut season learning what professional basketball demands, Game 7 will be his hardest exam.

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Written by

Koushik Biswas

Edited by

Koushik Biswas