Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich Indefinitely Sidelined Due to Health Concerns
Thứ ba, 05/11/2024 | 00:39 (GMT+7)
Assistant coach Mitch Johnson is set to take over as the interim head coach during Popovich’s absence.
Details regarding the health issue, which have not yet been made public, came to light just before the Spurs' game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday. It was announced that Popovich, aged 75, would not be able to coach the game, prompting Johnson to step in.
With only two and a half hours' notice before the game, Johnson assumed the head coaching responsibilities. He mentioned to the media that Popovich was "just not feeling well." Under Johnson's guidance, the Spurs secured a 113-103 victory over the Wolves, with veteran player Chris Paul praising Johnson's leadership.
"Mitch did a great job, man," Paul commented post-game. "I think our whole coaching staff [did]. Things happen within this league all the time and just like with the players, it's next man up. So, shout out to Mitch, he did a great job tonight."
Popovich, who is in his 29th season with the Spurs and holds the record as the longest-tenured head coach in the league, has accumulated 1,391 career wins and an additional 170 postseason victories. He has also led five teams to NBA championships.
