Spurs’ Devin Vassell & Keldon Johnson Refuse to Miss Games as NBA Stars Drop Like Flies
November 25, 2025
LOS ANGELES — The NBA is hurting. Literally.
Jayson Tatum, LeBron James, Jamal Murray, Anthony Edwards — the list of All-Stars currently sidelined reads like an All-NBA ballot. Through the first month of the 2025-26 season, star players have already missed nearly 30% of possible games due to injury or “load management.”
Then there are the San Antonio Spurs.
While the league’s marquee names ice knees and schedule MRIs, Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson are lacing up every night — and quietly dragging the Silver and Black to wins on a brutal West Coast swing.
Vassell’s Ironman Streak Hits standings-clinching territory
The fourth-year wing has now played in 98 consecutive games, dating back to last February. Even with a nagging ankle that flared up in shootaround before Friday’s clash with the Clippers, Vassell dropped 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting in a 108-105 victory.
“Pain’s part of the package. These guys need me out there. You don’t build trust by sitting on the bench.”
— Devin Vassell
Keldon Johnson: The Heartbeat San Antonio Needed
With Tre Jones (hamstring) and rookie Stephon Castle (hip flexor) out, Keldon Johnson has turned into a one-man wrecking crew. Over the last 10 games he’s averaging 18.7 points and 6.2 rebounds, routinely closing quarters and barking defensive assignments like a 10-year veteran.
Saturday night against the Lakers, Johnson poured in 25 points — including the dagger triple with 12 seconds left that sealed a 102-98 upset.
“If I’m breathing, I’m balling. The Spurs gave me a shot; I owe them everything I’ve got.”
— Keldon Johnson
Gregg Popovich: “That’s When You Learn Who Your Team Really Is”
The legendary coach has long preached availability over everything. Watching his two wings play through bumps while the rest of the league shuts it down, Pop couldn’t hide his satisfaction.
“In a league full of excuses, they’re all about execution,” Popovich said.
By the Numbers: The Quiet Dominance
- Vassell: 42% from three in November
- Johnson: +15% rebound rate since Jones went down
- Spurs duo combining for 47.5 PPG on current road trip
- San Antonio 4-2 in games without Tre Jones
The Bigger Picture
In an era of IV drips, hyperbaric chambers, and scheduled rest days, Vassell and Johnson are a throwback. They’re not chasing MVP votes or podcast microphones — they’re chasing wins, one painful minute at a time.
And right now, in a battered NBA, that might be the most valuable currency of all.
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