OAKLAND – Warriors big man David West’s first impression of San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is still etched into the 14-year veteran’s brain.
Three years ago, during West’s only season with San Antonio, Popovich scolded Spurs’ pillars Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker during the team’s first practice. The reason for losing to the LA Clippers in the first round of the 2015 Western Conference playoffs.
“They had lost to the Clippers before and he hadn’t had a chance to cuss them out yet,” West said after Thursday’s practice. “It was crazy.”
The moment exhibited Popovich’s coaching style while setting the tone for how West would be coached during his tenure.