Gregg Popovich Delivers Motivational Speech to Spurs Before Game 3 NBA Finals Victory
Former San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich boarded the team plane before Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals to deliver a 10-minute motivational speech, urging the team to remain confident despite trailing 2-0 in the series. Popovich, now the Spurs' basketball president, spoke during an unexpected runway delay caused by a flat tire on another aircraft. The Spurs responded by defeating the New York Knicks 115-111, with Victor Wembanyama recording 32 points, cutting the series deficit to 2-1.
Gregg Popovich, the legendary former head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, delivered an impromptu motivational address to the team before their trip to New York for Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals. The 77-year-old, who now serves as the franchise's basketball president after a stroke ended his coaching career in November 2024, boarded the team charter during an unexpected runway delay caused by a flat tire on another aircraft. Popovich spoke for approximately 10 minutes to the full group and spent an additional 20 minutes in individual conversations with players and coaches, including time seated next to superstar Victor Wembanyama. His message emphasized that despite the Spurs' 2-0 series deficit, the team could recover and reminded them of their credentials for reaching the Finals. The speech appeared to have immediate impact, as San Antonio defeated the Knicks 115-111 in Game 3, with Wembanyama posting 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three blocks, while De'Aaron Fox hit the game-winning shot with 12.2 seconds remaining.
How coverage differed
The New York Post provides additional context about Popovich's current role and the specific circumstances of the runway delay, while also emphasizing the emotional significance of his presence for the young roster. Newsweek's coverage is more straightforward and concise, focusing primarily on the speech content and immediate game results without as much background detail.
What different sources said
- NewsweekCenter
Gregg Popovich Delivered Rousing Speech to Spurs Before Game 3: Report
- New York PostRight
Gregg Popovich’s impassioned plane speech to Spurs gave them hope against Knicks
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