Gregg Popovich inspires San Antonio Spurs before Portland playoff series
Hall of Fame coach Gregg Popovich addressed the San Antonio Spurs ahead of their playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers while continuing his recovery from a stroke.
The 77-year-old remains a regular fixture at the franchise’s practice facility following his health scare in November 2024.
His presence provides a significant boost to a young roster featuring Victor Wembanyama, who will make his postseason debut on Sunday.
Words of wisdom for a youthful squad
Guard Stephon Castle revealed the five-time NBA champion urged the players to maintain their current identity.
“Just to be us, not to really do anything different from what we’ve been doing all season.”
“He gave us another perspective on how well we’ve been playing and the position we’ve put ourselves in.”
The Texas-based team finished the regular season with a formidable 62-20 record, securing the Southwest Division title for the first time since 2017.
Praise from the locker room
De’Aaron Fox acknowledged the immense value of receiving guidance from one of basketball’s most successful tactical minds.
“He’s one of the winningest coaches ever, one of the coaches with the most rings ever.”
“So it’s only right that he felt like he needed to come in and preach to the choir.”
Veteran forward Keldon Johnson confirmed the legendary tactician remains in frequent contact with the locker room.
“He looks amazing. He’s doing great. It’s always good to see him.”
An athletic core chasing postseason glory
The current squad boasts an energetic core that secured third place in both offensive and defensive efficiency rankings this year.
Several key contributors, including Devin Vassell and Julian Champagnie, are stepping onto the playoff stage for the very first time alongside Wembanyama.
Castle added that the former head coach continues to serve as an invaluable mentor through both triumphs and setbacks.
“Whether games are going good, games are going bad, just knowing Pop, he’ll always tell you the real.”
Johnson reiterated that the respected veteran’s sharp intellect remains completely intact.
“He’s definitely still himself. He’s still sharp. He’s still very much Pop. He has not skipped a beat at all.”
