Spurs on ouster brink after loss to Warriors
LOS ANGELES: Kevin Durant scored 26 points as the Golden State Warriors beat San Antonio 110-97 to take a 3-0 lead over the Spurs who were playing with heavy hearts after the death of Gregg Popovich’s wife.
Head coach Popovich did not attend Thursday’s game which took place just a day after the passing of his wife Erin Popovich who died from a long-term illness. The couple had been married for four decades and had two children and two grandchildren. San Antonio assistant coach Ettore Messina coached the team in Popovich’s absence.
Lamarcus Aldridge led the Spurs with 18 points while 35-year-old Tony Parker delivered 16 points in a throw-back performance. Parker said this is an emotional time for the players and the coaching staff.
“It was very tough sad day, and tough to play basketball tonight,” said Parker.
Durant showed his versatility by adding nine rebounds and six assists for the Warriors who can close out the first round Western Conference series with a victory Sunday in San Antonio.
Meanwhile, Joel Embiid scored 23 points in his postseason debut as the Philadelphia 76ers crushed the Miami Heat 128-108 to grab a 2-1 lead in their first round playoff series.
In New Orleans, Nikola Mirotic scored a career playoff-best 30 points and the Pelicans beat the Portland Trail Blazers 119-102 to take a stranglehold 3-0 lead in their best-of-seven series.