INDIANAPOLIS - Spurs coach Gregg Popovich altered the team’s travel schedule Thursday to give the players, coaches and staffers more time with their families on Thanksgiving.
The Spurs’ jet left for Indianapolis at 5 p.m., about two hours later than their normal departure time for such a journey.
It was a gesture much appreciated by the players, Spurs forward Quincy Pondexter said.
“We are a family-first organization,” Pondexter said after Wednesday night’s 104-103 loss to Memphis. “To give us some time to spend with our families before hitting the road trip is great. But we are always thinking of business. We are going to be locked in and ready for this four-game trip.”
The Spurs (8-9) face the Pacers (11-7) at 7 p.m. Friday.
Giving thanks:
Pondexter had plenty to be thankful for Thursday.
Beginning in May 2015, he underwent a series of left knee surgeries that eventually developed into a life-threatening infection.
“Every day of my life is a day to be thankful for,” said Pondexter, who was forced to sit out the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons. “This is a great time of year for people to come together and be with their families, especially with what is going on in the country. It’s about getting back to the basics of our country and knowing what (the holiday) is about.”
Gasol following doctor’s orders: Spurs center Pau Gasol will miss his ninth game in a row Friday with a sore left foot. It’s the longest stretch he’s been out since he missed 15 games during the 2016-17 season with a broken hand.
The other players the Spurs listed as out in Thursday’s injury report include rookie center Drew Eubanks (G League assignment), recently signed forward Ben Moore (G League assignment), rookie guard Lonnie Walker IV (knee) and guard Dejounte Murray, who is out for the season after suffering a knee injury in the preseason.
Gasol, 38, has been wearing a walking boot to aid the healing process.
“I’ll wear is as long as they tell me,” he said. “I’m just being cautious and following protocol and following orders, really.”
Gasol said his foot has been bothering him throughout the season.
“It was a cumulation, an increase in discomfort,” he said.
Gasol averaged 6.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.0 blocks in 17.4 minutes over the Spurs’ first nine games this season.
Metu’s G League debut: Spurs rookie forward Chimezie Metu had a memorable G League debut Tuesday night, recording a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double to help the Austin Spurs down the Lakeland Magic 101-92 in Florida.
Metu, who the Spurs selected 49th overall in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft, also had two assists, a block and a steal in 36 minutes.
“It was fun,” he said. “It was good to get to go out there and just play again.”
The Southern Cal product is averaging 2.1 points and 1.4 rebounds in 6.0 minutes over nine games for the Spurs.
“I knew what the deal was coming in,” he said of playing sparingly as a rookie and also spending time in the G League. “I was just happy to go get to play and win. It was a good fun experience.”
torsborn@express-news.net
Twitter: @tom_orsborn
