Search Intensifies for Missing Spurs Coach
San Antonio (AP) MAY 27, 2007- -Authorities today intensified their efforts as the investigation into the disappearance of San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich extended into its sixth day.
Popovich was reported missing a few hours after the Spurs dropped Game One of the National Basketball Association's Western Conference Finals to the Dallas Mavericks, 102-93. Spurs players dismissed speculation that Popovich's disappearance had anything to do with unhappiness over the "Small Ball" style of play the Spurs employed in Game One.
"Nah, there's nothing to that", Spurs forward Robert Horry said, "it's as big a mystery to us as to anybody". When asked about rumors that he and center Francisco Elson were seen carrying a writhing laundry bag to a garage freezer at 666 SW Street in Alamo Heights the morning after Game One, Horry stated it was a "venison delivery".
Remarkably, in his absence the Spurs have managed to reel off back-to-back-to-back wins, 91-84 in Dallas and then again 87-72 and 90-79 in San Antonio to take a commanding 3 games to 1 lead in the series. This despite a change in philosophy which has limited Game One centers Michael Finley and Brent Barry to diminished but more effective roles in the backcourt, and more extended playing time for Horry, Elson, Matt Bonner, and Fabricio Oberto, none of whom played more than 2 minutes in Game One. But most surprising has been the contribution of little-used Melvin Ely, who has averaged 8 points per game in the three wins and presented unexpected matchup problems for the Mavericks front court.
Spurs superstars Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili, who have turned in typically dominant performances, remained upbeat about Popovich's status.
"Pop, you know, sometimes he likes to do unexpected things to shake us up", Duncan said. "I'm sure this is just another one of his little tricks."
"Yu know, Pop I steel heer heem yelling at me, even zo hee ees not heer", Parker said. "Zo I reely can't tell ze differance."
"¡Puta bola pequeña!", Ginobili stated emphatically, which was translated by Barry as "I hope Pop is well and comes back soon".
Meanwhile, Mavericks' owner Mark Cuban and coach Avery Johnson announced they were increasing their reward offer to $10 million for information leading to the return of Popovich to his rightful position as Spurs head coach.
SAPD officer Zarko Stomp said he was confident that a break in the case will be coming soon. "I wouldn't be surpised to see him thaw-I mean-turn up safe sound sometime after the next win, er, week.", Stomp said.
Reply With Quote
