LOS ANGELES — The San Antonio Spurs are facing a challenging moment as legendary coach Gregg Popovich steps away indefinitely due to a health issue. Spurs point guard Chris Paul emphasized the team’s determination to play hard in Popovich’s absence, calling it an opportunity to honor the high standards their coach has set.

“You guys have seen it here for years. We all have,” Paul said. “The thing we want to focus on right now is going out there and playing. Because we know if we don’t defend, we’re going to hear about it.”

Popovich, 75, was sidelined before Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Assistant coach Mitch Johnson, who led the team to a 113-103 victory, will serve as interim head coach, guiding the team Monday against the LA Clippers and Wednesday in Houston. The organization has not announced a timeline for Popovich’s return.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Johnson shared how much Popovich means to the organization and community. “Pop’s impact… it’s hard to articulate,” Johnson said. “He’s been tremendous for me personally, and right now his health is the No. 1 priority. We support him in that 100 percent.”

Johnson relayed that he spoke with Popovich on Sunday, noting that while Popovich is in good spirits, he did not join the team for the current two-game trip. Johnson also addressed the team’s approach moving forward, stating that they will continue with “regularly scheduled programming.” He praised Popovich’s leadership style, which empowers staff and players alike.

“We have a great staff… [with] people that Pop empowers to coach hard and lead,” Johnson said. “These are big shoes to fill, and we’re going to do it as a group. The players have stepped up as well.”

Paul added that while the team hasn’t spoken with Popovich, they are aware of his absence and determined to make him proud on the court. “There’s certain things when you come into the arena… routines that change,” Paul noted. “But I think the guys are excited to play, and we know he’s going to be watching.”

Popovich, the NBA’s career wins leader with 1,390 victories, including 170 playoff wins and five championships, is in his 29th season with the Spurs. An Air Force Academy graduate, Popovich has led the Spurs since 1996 and signed a five-year, $80 million extension in 2023, making him the highest-paid coach in the league at $16 million per season. His contributions to basketball were honored with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in August 2023.

Ty Lue, head coach of the LA Clippers, extended his support, saying, “Hopefully he’s well, has a speedy recovery. Pop’s been so much to our game, to our coaches. Anytime we go to a coaches’ meeting, he’s the one that steps up… He’s always got our back as well as the players. So, hopefully, he has a speedy recovery.”