Gregg Popovich reflects on missing Spurs in NBA Finals action
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 5, 2026, 8:43 PM
Last updated Jun 5, 2026
During Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks, former Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich expressed his emotional connection to the game. As he watched from a suite, he reflected on his time coaching the team, which he led to five championships. Current Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson has maintained Popovich's legacy, leading the team through to the Finals this season. Antonio Daniels, a former player, shared Popovich's admission of missing being on the sidelines. The Spurs are focusing on Game 2, hopeful of carrying forward Popovich's influence on the roster, including Victor Wembanyama.
- •Popovich coached the Spurs to five NBA titles during his tenure.
- •Mitch Johnson has taken over coaching duties for San Antonio.
- •Antonio Daniels reported on Popovich's feelings during Game 1.
- •Victor Wembanyama represents a new era for the Spurs.
- •The Spurs faced the Knicks in the NBA Finals.
- 8:43 PMYahoo Sports — Gregg Popovich had an emotional admission watching Spurs in NBA Finals
- 12:39 PMYahoo Sports — Gregg Popovich’s true feelings on watching the Spurs in NBA Finals without him revealed
"Gregg Popovich may no longer be coaching the Spurs from the sideline, but the NBA Finals have shown how much the job still pulls at him. San Antonio is back on the Finals stage with Victor Wembanyama leading a new era, and Popovich is watching from above rather than standing in front of the bench.
"While watching Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks, Gregg Popovich couldn't help but reflect on his experience.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 5, 2026, 8:43 PMGregg Popovich had an emotional admission watching Spurs in NBA Finals
While watching Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks, Gregg Popovich couldn't help but reflect on his experience.
- Yahoo SportsJun 5, 2026, 12:39 PMGregg Popovich’s true feelings on watching the Spurs in NBA Finals without him revealed
Gregg Popovich may no longer be coaching the Spurs from the sideline, but the NBA Finals have shown how much the job still pulls at him. San Antonio is back on the Finals stage with Victor Wembanyama leading a new era, and Popovich is watching from above rather than standing in front of the bench.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NBA•Oct 24, 2026, 8:22 PM‘I don’t think LeBron’s a total disgrace’: Skip Bayless defends LeBron James from President Trump
NBA•Oct 24, 2026, 7:10 PMLeBron James injured, ruled out ahead of matchup vs Bucks
NBA•Oct 24, 2026, 5:50 PMBrunson, Towns on how Boston Celtics put New York Knicks in 0-2 title defense hole
NBA•Oct 24, 2026, 5:44 PMPaolo Banchero injury update: Why Magic star exited game vs. Timberwolves
NBA•Oct 24, 2026, 4:53 PMJayson Tatum defuses supposed beef with former teammate Jaylen Brown
NBA•Oct 24, 2026, 4:46 PMPaolo Banchero out multiple weeks with a high ankle sprain