Lowry gets going, leads Raptors with clutch play

Gregg Popovich addressed the San Antonio Spurs’ players for the first time on Thursday since he suffered a stroke in November. Popvoich gave them an update on his recovery and that he will be unable to return to the sidelines this season.

Mitch Johnson has served as acting head coach in place of Popovich.

The Spurs have been in the play-in mix this season, but will also be without Victor Wembanyama for the remainder of the season due to a blood clot in his shoulder.

Popovich also released the following statement:

“I’ve decided not to return to the sidelines this season. Mitch Johnson and his staff have done a wonderful job and the resolve and professionalism the players have shown, sticking together during a challenging season, has been outstanding. I will continue to focus on my health with the hope that I can return to coaching in the future.”

Before the play-in, there were rumors that Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks could evaluate their future together with the possibility of a trade.

But the Hawks extended their first round series against the Boston Celtics to six games, which could make their offseason less tumultuous. The Hawks hired Quin Snyder at the All-Star break and all sides got to evaluate the situation on the floor rather than conceptually.

“I mean, Quin (Snyder) is the future,” Young said. “I believe with him here this city is going to win a championship.”

Young was asked to describe Snyder’s late-season arrival.

“It’s kind of tough when you get in the position (during) the year and you want to put in your stuff but everybody’s already played 40, 50 games, or however many we’ve played at that point,” Young said. “I think he’s going to be great for us and I’m excited for the future with him.”