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Spurs' Messina to continue coaching in place of Popovich for Game 5

Ronald Cortes / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Ettore Messina will oversee the San Antonio Spurs for the third straight playoff contest on Tuesday, as he'll be the head coach for Game 5 at Oracle Arena.

Longtime head coach Gregg Popovich will miss his third straight game as he remains away from the team following the death of his wife, Erin, last Wednesday.

The Spurs avoided a clean sweep Sunday afternoon by defeating the reigning champion Golden State Warriors 103-90 at AT&T Center. Golden State still holds a 3-1 series lead, and can close out the first-round matchup in Game 5.

Messina is still reportedly scheduled to meet with the Charlotte Hornets for their head coaching vacancy, but can't do so until the Spurs' season is over.

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