San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich will miss Game 4 as he continues to cope with the loss of his longtime wife Erin Popovich, who tragically passed away at the age of 81 this week, the Spurs announced on Saturday afternoon.
Assistant coach Ettore Messina will fill in as head coach in Popovich’s absence for the second straight game.
Ettore Messina confirms he will be coaching Game 4 tomorrow in place of Gregg Popovich
— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) April 21, 2018
The Spurs are facing elimination on Sunday, down 3-0 to a dominate Golden State Warriors team without All-Star point guard Stephen Curry. San Antonio will once again be without superstar forward Kawhi Leonard.
Ettore Messina has registered interest across the league from teams in need of a head coach, and plans to interview with the Charlotte Hornets later this week, according to ESPN. He’s served as an assistant coach with the Spurs since 2014.
Since Erin Popovich passed, players, coaches and fans alike have shown their support for Gregg Popovich and his family. Popovich, a 21-year veteran NBA head coach, is one of the most respected figures in league history.
The Spurs’ collective veteran presence, led by Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, have helped fill the void left in Popovich’s absence by way of leadership and poise.
