Spurs play on without Popovich

Following his wife’s death Wednesday, Gregg Popovich did not coach the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of their Western Conference playoff series Thursday against the Golden State Warriors. Assistant Ettore Messina took his place.

After a long career as a head coach in Europe, where he won four EuroLeague championships, the Italian-born Messina was a consultant for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2011-12 before joining Popovich’s staff in 2014. He served as the team’s fill-in head coach for two regular season games in March 2016 while Popovich was dealing with a family medical emergency.

Messina, 58, has long been seen as a future NBA head coach — he’d be the first European to become one — and his name has popped up recently as a candidate for numerous coaching vacancies.

Spurs guard Tony Parker said he viewed the Popoviches like his mom and dad. Parker broke in to the NBA when he was 19. He spent time with the family on Wednesday. Before Thursday’s game, Parker said the Spurs would do their best to get a win for Popovich.

Veteran Manu Ginobili added the team is hurting and sad before walking away from reporters, fighting back tears.

General manager R.C. Buford said the team has suffered a profound loss.

Buford said Erin and Gregg were best friends who were together 40 years and her impact on the tightknit Spurs organization will be felt for years.

“We mourn the loss of Erin,” Buford said. “She was a strong, wonderful, kind, intelligent woman who provided love, support and humour to all of us.”

Buford added Popovich has been overwhelmed by the support he’s seen from across the NBA.

The couple has two children and two grandchildren.