With tragedy setting in on Gregg Popovich and his family, both the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs must band together.
The Golden State Warriors won Game 2 of their first round series against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night with a hot-shooting night from Klay Thompson, giving them a 2-0 series lead.
However, early on Wednesday evening, tragedy struck perhaps the greatest NBA coach of all-time. Gregg Popovich’s wife, Erin, passed away from an illness.
The NBA is a brotherhood and fraternity, so when one of the brothers is going through a rough time, many players are there for him. In this case, it’s Popovich and his family. This is why the Warriors and Spurs must band together, despite being opponents. This is bigger than basketball.
There should definitely be a moment of silence prior to Thursday night’s game for Popovich’s wife. It will be the toughest on the players to play the game because their thoughts and condolences will be with Popovich.
Spurs announce that Gregg Popovich's wife, Erin, passed away today. pic.twitter.com/vdpgaMfDeO
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 19, 2018
The most difficult part about an NBA player’s job is to play through tragedy. They still have a job to do. The players cannot just refuse to play. It’s awful that the show must go on with players and coaches’ minds on Popovich and his family, but it must happen.
In fact, Kevin Durant was asked about his thoughts on the passing of Erin Popovich during his media session and he was distraught. He was shocked. He was at a loss of words for the situation.
Here are a couple more tweets from Warriors players that directly (or indirectly) offer their condolences to Popovich.
I can’t imagine what Coach Popovich is going through, but I am lifting up prayers you and your family. 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/PMezvqWlcL
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) April 19, 2018
There is more to life than this game of basketball
— Shaun Livingston (@ShaunLivingston) April 19, 2018
Now, Livingston did not technically address this tweet toward the Popovich situation, but one can presume he was talking about Erin Popovich.
The most distraught person on the Warriors was head coach Steve Kerr. Kerr, who played for Popovich, won a championship in 2003. Kerr’s offensive system is predicated on man movement and ball movement much like Popovich’s system. Kerr has become really good friends with Popovich and his family.
Steve Kerr, usually willing to comment on most anything, was too stunned to speak on the death of Erin Popovich after a long illness. Kerr is verrrrry close with the Popovich family.
— Monte Poole (@MontePooleNBCS) April 19, 2018
I expect there to be some extra juice in the Spurs players on Thursday to come out and take Game 3 for their coach. The Warriors should be able to respond to the adversity.
Should the Warriors advance past San Antonio, they will move on with heavy hearts as this situation shows life is bigger than the game of basketball.
Next: McGee leading Warriors in net rating
Prayers and condolences to Coach Popovich and his family.