San Antonio Spurs' acting head coach Mitch Johnson, right, speaks to a referee during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle watches during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

San Antonio Spurs interim head coach Mitch Johnson, right, confers with guard Chris Paul (3) in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

FILE - San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich watches play during the second half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors, Sunday, March 31, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate, File)