Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich to be sidelined indefinitely after stroke

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich will be sidelined indefinitely after suffering a stroke, the team announced Wednesday.

Popovich, 73, is in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery, according to the Spurs.

Assistant coach Becky Hammon will take over as interim head coach while Popovich is out.

Popovich has been with the Spurs since 1996 and has led the team to five NBA championships. He is the winningest coach in Spurs history.

The Spurs are currently 14-18 this season and are in ninth place in the Western Conference.

Popovich's stroke is a reminder that even the healthiest people can be affected by this condition. Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and can cause serious disability.

The symptoms of a stroke can include sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, and vision problems.

If you think someone is having a stroke, call 911 immediately.

• Control your blood pressure.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Get regular exercise.
• Quit smoking.
• Limit alcohol intake.

For more information on strokes, visit the website of the National Stroke Association.