The San Antonio Spurs got ambushed by the Orlando Magic Friday, taking a 114-87 road loss for Gregg Popovich’s squad’s first loss of the season. The Spurs weren’t going to finish the season 82-0, but the loss snapped their four-game win streak.
Popovich didn’t look too upset about the loss, however. He was even seen smiling while exchanging pleasantries midcourt with the Magic’s coaching staff and players following the contest. It’s not always that we get to see Popovich carry a smile, especially after taking a loss, but the multi-titled coach also did something we’ve never seen him do before during that sequence: pull off a wrestling move.
Mistaking a hooded Terrence Ross for his former player Jonathon Simmons, Popovich put the Magic shooting guard in a friendly headlock.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aOOGdvrjDQ&feature=youtu.be&a=
Before signing a three-year contract with Orlando in the offseason, Simmons played for two seasons under Popovich in San Antonio. He was among the biggest thorns in the side of the Spurs in Friday’s game, as he came off the bench and scattered 17 points across 23 minutes of action.
Although the Spurs suffered a loss, Popovich clearly was happy to see one of his former players break the bank over the summer and have success with another team.
As for Ross, he emerged with his neck still intact from Popovich’s grip. If anything, it’s his hands that looked hurt, as he shot just 1-of-6 for two points in the contest.
Follow Us
Subscribe