San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is sidelined indefinitely as he recuperates from an undisclosed illness.
The Spurs organization confirmed that Popovich did not accompany the team on their road trip, which includes games against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday and the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. The Spurs are set to face the Portland Trail Blazers at home on Thursday.
Mitch Johnson has stepped up as interim coach during Popovich’s absence.
Johnson received the news about Popovich’s unavailability just 2 1/2 hours before Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, emphasizing that the team must always be prepared for unexpected changes.
“He’s not feeling well,” Johnson stated. “This has happened before, and it’s a reminder that everyone has to be ready to step up. Injuries and illnesses can strike at any moment, and we have to adapt.”
This marks the third occasion that Johnson has taken on the head coaching role in Popovich’s absence. Notably, former assistants Tim Duncan and Becky Hammon have also filled in for Popovich due to similar circumstances over the past five seasons.
The Spurs managed to secure a victory against Minnesota with a score of 113-103 on Saturday, showcasing their resilience as a team.
Popovich holds the record for the most wins in NBA history, boasting 1,390 regular-season victories and an additional 170 in the playoffs, along with five championship titles. His tenure with the Spurs spans an impressive 29 seasons.
