The LA Clippers will look to finally pick up their first victory at Intuit Dome when the San Antonio Spurs travel to Inglewood on Monday night. So far, it has been the same story every time the Clippers have taken the floor at their new arena.
In each of LA's first four games at Intuit Dome, they have remained competitive throughout the ball game until a stretch near the very end where they seem to run out of gas. The Clippers have fallen to the Phoenix Suns by three points in overtime, the Portland Trail Blazers by one, the Suns again by six, and most recently on Saturday to the Oklahoma City Thunder by 13 in a game that was a three-point margin after three quarters.
As the Clippers look to change their late-game fates against the Spurs, they will have one different circumstance to think about. According to a report from Shams Charania, long-time Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich will not be on the sideline. He reportedly "suffered a health issue before Saturday's game and assistant Mitch Johnson is expected to be the interim head coach for indefinite period."
Gregg Popovich taking indefinite leave for health reasons
This is certainly a concerning circumstance, and we of course wish the best for a coaching legend like Popovich. As we look further into the situation, league insider Michael Scotto revealed that Pop did not travel with the Spurs on their current road trip, which will be to Los Angeles and Houston.
Some may assume the worst here, but it seems to perhaps not be as bad as the initial report makes it out to be. Tom Osborn of the San Antonio Express-News reported that a league source had disclosed that the Spurs' head coach is okay, and simply needs rest.
Certainly, this would be the best outcome possible given the circumstances. Coaching at 75 years old is no easy task, and especially considering how much mileage Popovich has in his 25+ year coaching career.
Monday night's matchup may be a slightly easier one for the Clippers if Pop is not on the sideline to coach the Spurs. Ideally, the Hall-of-Fame coach will be back to leading his group in no time, but the Clippers should also not look to waste this opportunity to pick up a win.