Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has missed Games 3 and 4 of his team’s first-round series against the Warriors following the death of his wife, Erin.
Unsurprisingly, he won’t coach the Spurs as they leave San Antonio for Game 5 tomorrow at Golden State.
David Aldridge of NBA.com:
Spurs announce Ettore Messina will continue to serve as coach for the team in Game 5 Tuesday in Oakland against the Warriors during Gregg Popovich’s absence.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) April 23, 2018
Popovich should take all the time he needs. Ettore Messina is capable as acting coach, and Popovich being with his family now is more important anyway.
This will probably be the final game of the series. Up 3-1, the Warriors are the better team and at home.