5 best Gregg Popovich quotes of all time
1. 2013 NBA Finals Game 7 pre-game interview
Not only did the 2013 NBA Finals give fans one of the most memorable series in recent history, but without it, there would be no Gregg Popovich Game 7 pregame. This pregame interview sums up Popovich’s relationship with the media over his career, in a few short minutes.
Sarcasm, frustration, and a hint of laughter.
The interview opens with Popovich joking about a Game 8. His frustration with the series and dislike of the Spurs’ inability to close out the series earlier on becomes evident in the first few seconds. The Spurs’ head coach is jokingly relived when he is reassured that there will be no Game 8.
The questions begin with one of the most, as Popovich would say, inane questions an individual could ask: “Why will your team win tonight?” Pop, seemingly in shock, sits in silence for a second. A look of disbelief plagued the 68-year old’s face as he tried to process what he had been asked.
“All I do is hope.”
Next question: “are you able to able to appreciate [playing in a Game 7 of the finals]?”
Without thinking, Pop leans down towards the microphone and declares it torture. “It’s hard to appreciate or enjoy torture.” When asked what the bigger torture was, being an hour from the Finals or the interview, Popovich provided journalists with the most memorable quote of his career and the pinnacle of the interview.
“[Talking with journalists] joys my life,” Pop said. “This is great fun. There is nothing I’d rather be doing and the questions are so incisive and well thought out that how could one not enjoy the challenge of trying to find the answer.”
Popovich grinned and snickered after his comments and stated there is a fun aspect to the interviews before encouraging more questions to occupy his time. He praised the following reporter for such an insightful question, surprisingly in a serious manner.
Next: The 20 different emotions of Gregg Popovich
The pregame interview before game seven simply sums up Popovich’s playful relationship with the media in a few short minutes. His array of sarcastic responses make for the most memorable quotes of his career as a coach.