It seems like just a few years ago San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson was a wide-eyed rookie out of Kentucky. Now, he is Spurs' longest-tenured player, providing toughness and leadership.
They proved it again when they visited the Detroit Pistons on Monday at Little Caesars Arena.
Things turned sour in the second quarter when Pistons guard Cade Cunningham knocked Spurs guard Stephen Cassel to the floor. Johnson came forward and nudged Cunningham, saying a few words to him.
Pistons center Jalen Duren entered the field and pointed the finger at Johnson. Luckily, before it escalated further, cooler heads prevailed. full dispute. Johnson and Duren were both whistled for technical fouls.
Keldon Johnson and Jalen Duren received technique after this conversation
Cade Cunningham was called for an offensive foul for the initial push on Stephen Castle.
- ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 24 February 2026
As expected, tensions were high between the two top NBA teams, especially since it was their first meeting.
While Spurs have other players older than him, the 26-year-old Johnson has taken on a big brother role on the team. He has taken Victor Wembanyama under his wing, even shaving his head, to help his young teammate develop and transition to the NBA.
Johnson has progressed in coach Mitch Johnson's first full year, averaging 13.4 points, 54.5% shooting and 5.7 rebounds off the bench. He is a strong candidate for Sixth Man of the Year.
At the time of writing, there is still a close battle between the Spurs and Pistons in the third quarter.
Cassel had 12 points, two rebounds and seven assists, while Johnson had six points and two rebounds.
