The San Antonio Spurs and the entire NBA community are mourning the loss of Gregg Popovich's wife, Erin Popovich, who died early Wednesday. The Spurs confirmed the news with a statement Wednesday after Popovich had run the Spurs practice as usual. Popovich was 67 years old, and ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that she had been battling an illness for an "extended period." The Spurs asked in their statement that the media give the Popovich family privacy as they cope with a terrible loss to their family.

The Popovich's were married for four decades

When they met back in the 1970's, coach Popovich was an assistant coach at the Air Force Acadamy where his soon-to-be wife's dad, Jim Conboy, was an athletic trainer. He was an assistant for the Falcons from 1973 to 1979. Now the still happy couple enjoy two kids of their own, Mickey and Jill, as well as two grandchildren.

The Spurs are in the middle of a playoff series versus the Golden State Warriors. Currently, the Warriors lead the Spurs 2-0 in the series.

At practice on Wednesday, Popovich ran practice and talked to the media with no apparent out-of-the-works emotion that anything had happened.

When the news was announced, it was unclear whether Popovich would be on the sideline for San Antonio's Game 3 at home or the rest of the series for that matter.

If he does decide to take some time to step away, ESPN.com says that assistant coach Ettore Morre would likely fill in on the sideline.

The NBA community gives heartfelt reactions to the Popovich family

In the statement that the Spurs released Wednesday, San Antonio general manager R.C. Buford said, "We mourn the loss of Erin...

She was a strong, wonderful, kind, intelligent women who provided love, support, and humor to all of us."

Kevin Durant, who's Warriors team is playing against the Spurs in the first round of the NBA playoffs, found out about the passing of Popovich's wife shortly after the Spurs announced the news and was caught off guard.

"I just want Pop to know that the whole NBA family is supporting him and got his back through it all," Durant said.

Superstar LeBron James, who is very fond of the Hall of Fame coach, said on TNT, "I'm a huge Pop fan. I love Pop. Such a tragedy. My best wishes go out to Pop and his family."

NBA teams, current, and former players reacted on Twitter. Here are some of the reactions posted on the social media platform.

Our condolences to Popovich and his family during a difficult time.
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