Pop's postgame words shook up Spurs locker room after Game 3

Popovich had "choice words" for Spurs locker room after Game 3 loss

Gregg Popovich retired last season as the NBA's all-time winningest head coach with 1,390 wins, though a stroke had ended his coaching career earlier than he intended early in the 2024-25 season. He remains active around the team in an official capacity as "El Jefe." Following San Antonio's Game 3 loss to Oklahoma City, Popovich entered the Spurs locker room right after the game for the first time all season. According to point guard De'Aaron Fox, Popovich made clear the performance was unacceptable. "That was the first time all season he came into the locker room right after a game and told us how he felt," Fox said, adding that Popovich had "choice words." The Spurs had opened a 15-0 lead in Game 3 before being outscored by 30 the rest of the way. San Antonio responded with a 103-82 Game 4 win Sunday night, tying the Western Conference finals at 2-2.

Gobble's Take: Popovich came into the locker room, said his piece, and the Spurs answered with a dominant win. Source: Yahoo Sports NBA

Mike Brown and Karl-Anthony Towns Find Their Footing as Knicks Are One Win From NBA Finals

Back in October, one quote from Karl-Anthony Towns set off a loud alarm for the Knicks fan base. Towns was asked about his role in Mike Brown's offense. "Honestly, I don't know," Towns said. "I just don't know. But we figuring it out. It's just different."

After the Knicks beat the Cavs to take a 3-0 series lead, Towns was asked again. His answer was different: "Now, we are at a point where we are both working seamlessly. We understand each other's language. He is getting the best from us and we are getting the best from him."

Josh Hart said Brown "handled that unbelievably," and Landry Shamet credited him for "keeping us in the right headspace." The turnaround has coincided with a 10-game Knicks win streak.

Gobble's Take: Seven months after an uncertain start, Towns and Brown are working seamlessly — and the Knicks are one win away from their first NBA Finals trip in 27 years.

Source: Yahoo Sports NBA

In Case You Missed It

Yesterday's top stories:

• Knicks move within one win of NBA Finals after 121-108 victory over Cavaliers
• Mikal Bridges steps up again as Knicks take 3-0 series lead over Cavaliers