Spurs' Stephon Castle Shares Insights from Popovich's Motivational Talk Ahead of Game 3 Against Knicks

Gregg Popovich, who concluded his remarkable 29-year tenure as the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs in May 2025, continues to influence the team even after stepping down due to health concerns. Though he had a mild stroke in November 2024, Popovich remains a vital source of wisdom for the young roster, especially as they navigate a challenging playoff series.

As the Spurs prepare for a pivotal Game 3 against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, guard Stephon Castle revealed that Popovich reached out with an encouraging message. "We talked to Pop before we flew down here. Pretty much his message was, 'Just let the last two games go. It happened. They were very winnable games,'" Castle shared with reporters. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the upcoming match, stating, "I feel like the next game is the most important game in the series. So, we’re trying to come into that game and win it."

The players have expressed their longing for Popovich's presence on the sidelines. His departure from coaching was abrupt, and while he has not spoken extensively about missing the opportunity to lead this promising group, his close friend Antonio Daniels noted that Popovich feels a strong void. Daniels recounted a recent conversation where Popovich admitted, "You have no idea how much. I wish I was down there right now!"

Popovich is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in NBA history, having led the Spurs to five championships during his tenure and earning numerous accolades, including three Coach of the Year awards. His legacy continues to resonate with the team as they strive for success this season.