Having finished their first-round series against the San Antonio Spurs, the Golden State Warriors found a way to individually express their love for coach Gregg Popovich as each took the microphone during their post-game press conference.
Before answering a question of whether he is an underrated player or not, Draymond Green deviated from the question at hand to send his regards to Popovich.
“I just want to send my love to Pop and his family, again,” Green said, according to Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News.
Popovich's wife, Erin, passed away on the eve of Game 3, for which the long-tenured coach stepped away, trusting top assistant Ettore Messina with the active coaching duties.
“Pop, if you’re watching out there, we love you,” followed his colleague and former player Steve Kerr, who remains close to Popovich to this day. “Our whole team and coaching staff has been thinking about you every day.”
“Your team reflected who you are tonight. They battled every step of the way, and that was a big-time fight. We’re lucky to get out of here.”
Tragedy never hits at a good time and the Warriors were only one of several teams, coaches, players, and executives to voice their condolences for the passing of his late wife.
Klay Thompson noted how the Spurs were able to show up for Game 3-5 amid the somber mood with one of the franchise talismans out of the picture to mourn the loss.
“I can’t imagine how hard it is to go out there and perform under those circumstances,” Thompson said. “Our hearts are with them and we have nothing but respect for that team. They play the right way and they have great pride.”
The Spurs will have many questions to address in the offseason, but their diligence and heart won't be some of them, clawing their way despite their struggles on and off the hardwood.
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