As teams around the NBA were on the court in playoff contention on Wednesday night, news came down the wire stating that Erin Popovich, wife of San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, had passed away due to health complications. Shortly after the report hit the air waves, several players — both past and present — decided to send their condolences, including Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.

Erin and Gregg were married four decades. The couple was wed while Gregg was working as an assistant coach at the Air Force Academy from 1973 to 1979. They have two children and two grandchildren.

The Spurs released an official statement with regards to Erin’s passing.

Via ESPN’s Michael C. Wright:

“We mourn the loss of Erin,” Spurs general manager RC Buford said in the team’s statement. “She was a strong, wonderful, kind, intelligent woman who provided love, support and humor to all of us.”

According to most accounts, Erin was the heartbeat of the Spurs organization.

“She had a presence,” Spurs swingman Danny Green told ESPN after Thursday night's 110-97 loss to the Golden State Warriors in Game 3 of the Western Conference quarterfinals. “You guys are intimidated by Pop and probably scared of him, but her presence is probably the total opposite of that; just a joy to be around, lightened the room up and made you smile, and made everybody feel comfortable.”

Spurs assistant coach Ettore Messina, who filled in for Popovich on Thursday night, was asked if Erin's passing has affected the team's overall level of focus.

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“No, I don't think so,” Messina told ESPN. “I think they are great pros and great people. As a team, this is my answer. Individually, I guess any different individual is going through his own personal things, and it's impossible for me to evaluate that. I think everybody did a fantastic job as players, as people working in the organization, the staff, of really trying to support each other and face this moment like it should be faced; to support a friend.”

The Spurs — now trailing the Warriors 0-3 in their first round playoff matchup — will be back in action on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. EST.

Like Bryant and many others in the NBA community, ClutchPoints would like to send our condolences to the Popovich family and the Spurs organization.