De’Aaron Fox Reveals Gregg Popovich Had Strong Words for Spurs Locker Room After Game 3 Loss to Thunder

Gregg Popovich may no longer be the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, but his voice still carries major weight inside the organization. Following San Antonio’s Game 3 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference finals, Popovich reportedly delivered a blunt message in the locker room that left a strong impression on the team, according to Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox.

Fox said Popovich, who spent more than 28 seasons leading the Spurs and won five NBA championships, rarely stepped into the locker room immediately after games during the season. But after the Spurs let a 15-0 lead slip away in Game 3 and were outscored by 30 points the rest of the way in a 123-108 loss, Popovich made an exception. Fox described the moment as the first time all season that Popovich entered the locker room right after a game and openly expressed his frustration, making it clear the performance was not acceptable.

Popovich’s reaction appears to have had the desired effect. San Antonio responded in Game 4 with a convincing 103-82 win on Sunday night, tying the series at 2-2 and restoring momentum in the matchup with the defending champion Thunder. The victory was wire-to-wire and showed a far sharper, more disciplined Spurs team than the one that faded after its early advantage two nights earlier.

Although Popovich officially retired after a stroke shortened his coaching career during the 2024-25 season, he remains closely connected to the team in an advisory role. He continues to provide guidance to head coach Mitch Johnson and the players, serving as a mentor and presence around the franchise. Known around the organization as “El Jefe,” Popovich is still viewed as a source of leadership, experience and accountability.

Fox’s comments highlighted that Popovich’s influence has not faded despite his departure from the sideline. His intervention after Game 3 seemed to remind the Spurs of the standards that defined the franchise during his tenure. For a young team trying to build a new identity in the post-Popovich era, that kind of direct message still matters.

The Spurs now face a pivotal best-of-three stretch with the Western Conference title within reach. Their Game 4 bounce-back showed that they can respond under pressure, and Popovich’s presence remains an important part of that formula. Even without the title of head coach, he continues to shape the culture and expectations in San Antonio.

For the Spurs, the message was simple: the standard remains the standard. And when Gregg Popovich speaks, the team listens.