In the wake of coach Gregg Popovich's indefinite absence from the San Antonio Spurs due to a health issue, point guard Chris Paul said the club wanted "to play hard and compete for Pop because he set a standard."

"You guys have seen it here for years. We all have," Paul said. "So, that's the thing that we want to try to focus on right now is going out there and playing. Because we know if we don't defend, we know we are going to hear about it."

Popovich, 75, suffered a health issue before Saturday's win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, and assistant Mitch Johnson -- who took over and guided the team to a 113-103 win -- will serve as the interim head coach indefinitely, starting Monday against the LA Clippers and continuing Wednesday in Houston, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.

Johnson, 39, gave a statement during his pregame availability with reporters Monday, revealing that on Sunday he spoke with Popovich, who did not travel with the Spurs on their two-game trip.



Get better Soon Pop Go Spurs Go