Gregg Popovich welcomed back Craig Sager in true Pop fashion

Spurs coach welcomes back TNT sideline reporter after absence battling leukemia.

By Matt Moore

Dec 3, 2015 at 11:02 pm ET • 1 min read

Thursday marked the first time that TNT's Craig Sager returned to the sideline for a San Antonio Spurs game, as the Spurs took on the Grizzlies in Memphis. The normally curmudgeonly Popovich was very supportive during Sager's absence as he battled leukemia. It was emotional for everyone when Popovich was interviewed by Sager's son last season.

Thursday's reunion was equally as emotional.

Sager meeting Popovich for the first time in a long time in Memphis tonight @NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/Q6dW7rCVyS
— Kevin harlan (@Kevinharlan) December 4, 2015

And of course, after being grateful to see his old friend, Popovich then proceeded to demand Sager ask him "inane questions." Classic Pop.

Craig Sager interviews Coach Pop during the break. https://t.co/F8pvWnc4U1
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 4, 2015

Can we take a second to talk about the fact that Gregg Popovich is apparently a person who calls people "baby?" Did anyone see that coming? Because I did not. Anyway, it's dusty in here, and really great to see Sager back doing his job, and nice to see underneath Popovich's steely demeanor. Good stuff.