The San Antonio Spurs coach doled out some for Rodney Hood late Thursday night after the 6-foot-8 forward diced up Popovich’s team for 29 points in a 100-89 Jazz victory. The Spurs coach’s crusty exterior cracked for a precious few moments.
It was nicer viewing still for Jazz fans, who long have harbored great expectations for Hood and saw them fulfilled when he scored 11 points while going 5 for 9 in the fourth quarter alone. Utah (15-18) was able to salvage a needed win without its franchise center and exciting rookie.