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Gregg Popovich had one message for Victor Wembanyama, Spurs before pivotal NBA Finals game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The San Antonio Spurs entered Game 3 of the NBA Finals facing a difficult situation. After dropping the first two games at home, they traveled to New York needing a win to avoid falling into a nearly impossible series deficit.
As the team prepared for the trip, a familiar figure made an unexpected appearance. Gregg Popovich, who now serves as the Spurs' president of basketball operations, boarded the team's flight before departure and addressed the entire roster.
The message came at a critical time. Confidence had become one of the Spurs' biggest challenges after consecutive losses, and Popovich focused directly on that issue. According to De'Aaron Fox, the Hall of Fame coach reminded players that they had earned their place on basketball's biggest stage.
“He basically said that even though we dug ourselves a hole, that we can dig ourselves out of it,” Fox said. “He told us just to be confident — to come out here and be confident, that there's a reason why we got here.”
Popovich reportedly spent nearly 10 minutes speaking to the group before remaining on the plane for another 20 minutes. During that time, he met individually with players and coaches, including an extended conversation while seated next to Victor Wembanyama.
The visit stood out because Popovich has largely stayed behind the scenes since stepping away from coaching duties. That limited involvement has made his appearances more meaningful for a young Spurs roster still gaining postseason experience.
The effect became evident two days later. San Antonio responded with its strongest performance of the series, earning a road victory at Madison Square Garden to cut New York's lead to 2-1 and keep its championship hopes alive.
“It’s always good when he comes around,” Fox said. “It definitely feels good whenever Pop addresses the group.”
With momentum now shifting, the Spurs will look to build on that response in Game 4. But before the turnaround began on the court, it started with a message from the franchise's most influential voice.
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