San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has described his team’s loss to the New York Knicks as “pathetic” and “embarrassing” as he ripped his players.
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Popovich praised both the Knicks and coach Derek Fisher for their role in the 104-100 overtime upset at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night, but he didn’t hold back on his own players after.
“We didn’t respect the game, we didn’t respect our opponent,” said Popovich, ESPN reports.
“It was a pathetic performance and I hope that every player is embarrassed. Not because ‘we are supposed to win the game’ but it is about how you play the game.”
Given that the Knicks are 14-53 this season and are in the process of rebuilding with a depleted roster, it was no surprise that Popovich was left fuming with the fact that his team somehow conspired to lose the game.
Popovich conceded that the Knicks moved the ball better than his side did and played better team basketball, but it still doesn’t take away from the fact that his players were bitterly disappointing, particularly in overtime.
Lou Amundson had 12 points and 17 rebounds as he also hit the game-tying shot late in regulation, while rookie Langston Galloway put up a career-high 22 points as Alexey Shved added 21 points.
The loss leaves the Spurs at 41-25 for the season and given the competitiveness in the Western Conference for seeding position, they may well rue this loss later down the line.
Popovich was clearly unimpressed with his players, and so they will need a reaction in the coming games as they look to climb the standings given that they are currently i seventh spot.
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