San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich missed his fourth consecutive game after suffering an undisclosed health issue as his team recorded a 118-105 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday.
Popovich felt sick about two and a half hours before San Antonio’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, last Saturday (2). He is resting at home and remains away indefinitely, as reported by ESPN on Monday (4).
Assistant coach Mitch Johnson took over as interim coach for Saturday’s game and remained in the role for the next three games. Before Thursday’s win, Johnson was asked if he could clarify whether Popovich would return this season.
“I would say he’s fine,” Johnson said. “We have been talking. I’ve been busy with that and trying to keep my head above water. So we haven’t talked about details and I’m not sure about anything.”
CNN has reached out to the Spurs multiple times for comment on Popovich’s health but has not received a response.
This is the third time that Johnson has replaced Popovich, although his two previous appearances lasted just one game – once when Popovich became ill before a game against the Indiana Pacers in March 2023, and another when the coach participated in the signing ceremony. Tim Duncan in the Hall of Fame in 2021.
Duncan himself has also replaced Popovich during his time as a Spurs assistant, as have Mike Budenholzer, Becky Hammon and Brett Brown.
Who is Popovich
At 75, he is the oldest coach in NBA history. Currently in his 29th season – all with the Spurs – he has 1,390 regular season wins, an NBA record. He has won 170 playoff victories and five NBA championships.
Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was optimistic about his manager’s condition. “We haven’t heard much from Pop,” he told reporters after Thursday’s game. “They keep us informed as much as we are allowed to know. So I’m not worried about him. I know he will be back soon. We’re not talking to him directly much.”
Contributions came from all sides for the Spurs on Thursday, with Keldon Johnson and Malaki Branham scoring 17 points each, Zach Collins, Stephon Castle and Julian Champagnie adding 14 each, and Wembanyama scoring 12. Jerami Grant and Deandre Ayton scored 21 points each for the Trail Blazers, with the latter also recording 10 rebounds.
