Gregg Popovich had an emotional admission watching Spurs in NBA Finals
· Yahoo Sports
While watching Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks, Gregg Popovich couldn't help but reflect on his experience.
Popovich has seen his beloved franchise in this exact situation before. During his tenure as head coach of the Spurs, he led San Antonio to six appearances in the championship. He won five titles, winning his first against the Knicks in 1999.
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The 3-time NBA Coach of the Year coached the Spurs until he transitioned to head of basketball operations in 2025, following medical issues, when he was replaced by assistant head coach Mitch Johnson. Now in his second year in the position, Johnson has led San Antonio back to win the Western Conference Finals like Popovich did half a dozen times.
Antonio Daniels shares a conversation he had with Gregg Popovich in his suite during Game 1:
— NBARetweet (@RTNBA) June 5, 2026
“We watched the game tonight in Pops suite with him. I asked him tonight ‘Do you miss it?’ And he said ‘You have no idea how much. I wish I was down there right now!’” 😢
via Game Over,… pic.twitter.com/f3PXYIwECY
According to Antonio Daniels, who played for the Spurs from 1998 until 2002 and sat with Popovich during Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals in San Antonio, it was difficult for the former head coach to not be on the sidelines.
Popovich said that Daniels had "no idea" how much he wishes he down there right now during the championship.
He coached several key contributors on this roster, including Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell.
Wembanyama said that his former coach is still providing constructive feedback to the players, which could help them during Game 2 and beyond.
No matter whether he is on the court or on the sidelines, Popovich's presence is still massively felt.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Gregg Popovich had an emotional admission watching Spurs in NBA Finals