Popovich calls out Suns’ owner

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich dismissed Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver’s critical comments as silly and said they should have been made while wearing a “chicken suit.”

Sarver got on the public address microphone Thursday night in Phoenix and apologized to the fans because the Spurs were without several players and Popovich himself.

“This is not the game you paid your hard-earned money to watch,” Sarver told the crowd. “I apologize for it. And I want you to send me your tickets if you came tonight with a return envelope and I’ve got a gift for you on behalf of the Suns for showing up tonight. Thank you.”

The Spurs were without Kawhi Leonard (eye infection), Tiago Splitter (calf injury) and Patty Mills (rotator cuff ), and Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili remained home to rest. Popovich elected to have first-year assistant Ettore Messina handle head coaching duties. Phoenix routed San Antonio 121-90 in the Spurs’ first preseason game in the United States after a two-week trip to Europe.

“As I said, the silliness begins,” Popovich said. “Most wise individuals would check facts before they made statements; unless you’re interested in putting on a show. In that case, the facts get in your way, as in this case.” Briefly: In San Antonio on Saturday night, rookie Shabazz Napier had 25 points, including four free throws in the final minute, and Miami held on for a 111-108 overtime victory in the teams’ first meeting since the Spurs routed the Heat in the NBA Finals. ... Former Mitty High star Drew Gordon, who is trying to earn a roster spot, scored 16 points as the 76ers held off the Magic 95-84 in Allentown, Pa.