Amidst the excitement for the start of the playoffs, the NBA encountered an unexpected moment. On Wednesday, while the game between Cleveland and Indiana was being played, the Spurs announced the death of Erin, the wife of Gregg Popovich, head coach of San Antonio. Immediately, basketball as a game took a back seat, and several of the players rallied around one of the most respected individuals in the industry. LeBron James' reaction upon learning the news was moving.
A sad news shakes San Antonio Spurs in the midst of the playoffs: Gregg Popovich's wife has passed away
The Cavaliers star was informed of the news during a television interview, just after finishing the match that tied the series 1-1 with the Indiana Pacers. His grief was reflected on his face and in his words.
"I'm a huge fan of Pop. I love Pop. Such a tragedy. My best wishes to Pop and his family. It's devastating news. The NBA family... we all stand together. We compete every night. But something like this puts everything into perspective," said the superstar amidst the commotion.
LeBron, as he stated in that simple response, is a big admirer of Popovich, with whom he has a great relationship. They faced each other in three finals, with San Antonio winning twice and James winning one with Miami.
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But the Akron superstar was not the only one who found out in front of a camera. Kevin Durant, player from the Golden State Warriors, the current rival of the Spurs in the playoffs, also learned the news during a press conference. And he was just as affected as LeBron. "I just want Pop to know that the entire NBA family is supporting him in overcoming this difficult moment," he said.
He added, "It's bigger than the game. It's bigger than winning and losing. It's about the brotherhood we've built as NBA players and all members of the NBA family. I feel really bad for Pop and his family. It's something hard to hear."
The NBA family mourns the loss of Erin Popovich, wife of San Antonio head coach Gregg Popovich. We send our heartfelt condolences to the Popovich family and San Antonio Spurs organization.
Steve Kerr, coach of the Warriors, who will play the third game of the series in San Antonio tonight, was also deeply moved by what happened and did not want to speak about it. Kerr won a championship as a player with the Spurs, with Popovich as the coach.
Cookie and I send our thoughts and prayers to Coach Gregg Popovich and his family on their loss of his wife Erin. May she rest in peace.
Others who publicly showed their support for Pop included Magic Johnson, Dwayne Wade, and Jeremy Lin.
Ughhh. RIP Erin Popovich. Condolences to Pop and his family...40 years of marriage. It's bigger than basketball. The NBA family mourning this loss.
The Wade family's prayers go out to Coach Popovich and his family!!!
On Thursday, in the third game of the West Conference first-round playoff series, Ettore Messina, the current assistant coach of Popovich, will likely be directing San Antonio.