Ettore Messina to coach Spurs in Gregg Popovich’s place in Game 3 vs. Warriors

The San Antonio Spurs announced Thursday that assistant coach Ettore Messina will coach the team in Game 3 of the team's first-round playoff series against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night, stepping in for Gregg Popovich one day after the death of his wife, Erin Popovich, after battling what was reportedly a prolonged illness. "[Popovich] is overwhelmed by the support [he has received]," Spurs general manager R.C. Buford told the media after Thursday's shootaround, according to Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News. To that end, he has tapped Messina, his lead assistant, to move up the bench and take the reins as the Spurs look to get on the board against the defending NBA champions after convincing losses to start the series.