Despite Popovich’s absence, the Spurs beat the Pacers

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Jeremy Sochan had 22 points and 13 rebounds for his first career double-double, and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Indiana Pacers 110-99 on Thursday night despite lack of guidance from coach Gregg Popovich, absent due to illness.

Devin Vassell added 18 points for San Antonio in his return after missing 25 games with arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. He was 8-for-15 on shots in his first game since Jan. 2.

Popovich and his best assistant Brett Brown had been out with illnesses other than COVID-19. The quarterback is expected to return for Saturday’s game at home against Houston.

Mitch Johnson, another Popovich assistant, scored his first win as a coach. San Antonio has won two in a row after losing 16 in a row, an unsavory franchise record.