When Erin Popovich, wife of Gregg Popovich, passed away between Game 2 and Game 3 of the Spurs' first round series, Kawhi Leonard intended to leave New York and join the team to support Popovich.

But Popovich did not return to the Spurs following her passing and Leonard decided to stay in New York and train.

But the sentiment was an indication of the strength of the bond between Leonard and Popovich.

Popovich has been one of the few people within the Spurs who have maintained contact with Leonard.