By sara 
Erin Popovich, the wife of San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, died at 67 on Wednesday, the team announced.
She had been ill for an “extended period,” ESPN´s Adrian Wojnarowski reported.
The San Antonio News-Express said she had a respiratory illness.
Erin and Gregg Popovich were married for four decades and had two children and two grandchildren, according to the Spurs.
“We mourn the loss of Erin,” Spurs general manager RC Buford said in a statement released by the team.
“She was a strong, wonderful, kind, intelligent woman who provided love, support and humor to all of us.
“Reaction arrived quickly from around the NBA. LeBron James choked up in comments to TNT, saying, “I´m a huge Pop fan. I love Pop. Such a tragedy. The NBA family. we all stick together, compete every night.But something like this puts everything in perspective.
“Steve Nash, an eight-time NBA All-Star, tweeted, “Knowing Pop, it´s fair to assume Erin Popovich was an absolute legend.
My deepest sympathies to Pop and his daughters.
“Warriors forward Kevin Durant said, “The whole NBA family is supporting him, got his back through it all.Feel so bad for Pop.
“Golden State guard Shaun Livingston tweeted, “There is more to life than this game of basketball.
“Gregg Popovich´s team is in the playoffs for the 21st consecutive year, tied for the second-longest streak in NBA history.
The Spurs trail the defending champion Golden State Warriors two games to none with Game 3 set for Thursday in San Antonio.
Assistant coach Ettore Messina would likely take over for Game 3 if Popovich is absent, ESPN´s Michael C. Wright reported.