Sochan, Vassell lead Spurs past Pacers in Popovich’s absence
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The San Antonio Spurs have lived by a next-man up mantra all season and it extended to their bench Thursday night.
With San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich out due to an illness, Jeremy Sochan had 22 points and 13 rebounds for his first career double-double and the Spurs defeated the Indiana Pacers 110-99.
“They’re probably trying to follow Pop’s leadership, even though he isn’t here,” said San Antonio assistant Mitch Johnson, who coached in Popovich’s absence. “They know what he would be saying.”
The Spurs have won two straight after dropping a franchise-record 16 in a row.
Devin Vassell scored 18 points for San Antonio in his return after missing 25 games following arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. He shot 8 for 15 in his first game since Jan. 2.
Popovich and lead assistant Brett Brown were out with NON-COVID-19 illnesses. Popovich is expected to return for Saturday’s home game against Houston.
Johnson collected his first victory in his second game helming the Spurs. He served as head coach in a 140-103 loss to Phoenix on on May 15, 2021, when Popovich missed the game to attend Tim Duncan’s Hall of Fame induction.
“Coach did a great job,” Sochan said. “He helped us a lot.”
Screams of celebration echoed in the hallways outside the Spurs locker room as the players showered Johnson with bottles of cold water.
“I’ll be honest, it was fun.” Johnson said. “It was fun. This is basketball. This is what I enjoy doing. There is nothing that I did differently or tried to change. We have a program and Pop sets the tone from the top to bottom. It goes from him to the players and everybody else.”
That was apparent by the team’s focus on defense. San Antonio, which is allowing 122.4 points per game, has held opponents below 100 points in consecutive games.
“I think it’s just staying together and taking pride in it,” Sochan said. “There were times we lacked focus or will. Recently, we’ve been trying to impose our will on that side of the court.”
Buddy Hield had 27 points to lead the Pacers and Chris Duarte had 18. The Pacers committed 14 turnovers while shooting 46 percent from the field.
“We had a lot of guys that struggled tonight,” Indiana coach Rick Carlisle said. “Those things can happen. We’ve got to move on.”
The Spurs are a much different team than the one that last played at the AT&T Center on Feb. 3 before embarking on their annual Rodeo Road Trip.
Jakob Poeltl and Josh Richardson were traded, Stanley Johnson was released, and injuries continue to pile up.