Spurs hold moment of silence before Sunday's game for Sutherland Springs shooting
— -- SAN ANTONIO -- The San Antonio Spurs honored the victims of Sunday's mass shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, with a moment of silence before their 112-95 win against the Phoenix Suns?at the AT&T Center.
A man opened fire inside a church in the small town on Sunday, killing 26 people and wounding at least 20 others before he was killed or killed himself, authorities say.?
Sutherland Springs is just 31 miles southeast of the AT&T Center in San Antonio.?
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich didn't address the incident during his pregame media availability, but discussed it afterward.
"We won a basketball game, but considering everything that has gone on today, it is pretty meaningless," Popovich said. "When you think about the tragedy of those families that are suffering, it is just inconceivable and impossible to wrap your head around. Talking about basketball tonight is pretty inappropriate. So you guys have a good night."
Forward LaMarcus Aldridge, a Dallas native, said a tragedy such as Sunday's puts into perspective how inconsequential something like a basketball game can be.
"Basketball is what we do for a living, but there are definitely bigger things in life. To hear about that tragedy outside of San Antonio, that was just sad. You feel for those people, those families. It just puts into perspective how lucky we are to do what we do, and to just be alive and be healthy. There are so many tragedies going on right now that are taking people's lives."
Spurs center Pau Gasol addressed the mass shooting minutes before tip-off, while guard Manu Ginobili -- who sat out to rest -- plopped down in his seat and shook his head in response to the shooting.?
"To me, it's gotten out of control. In this situation, the laws, the gun regulations, they need to be addressed. It's anywhere: concerts, schools, churches, kids. This is devastating, but it's a reality. It needs to be addressed. I'm unaware of how, and the powers behind all the gun laws and the gun organizations in this country," Gasol said. "But you need to protect the innocent. This happened down the road. It could have happened to any of us. It could happen in the supermarket next time. It could happen anywhere. It's gotten to the point that it's really worrisome, really worrisome."?
Gasol continued: "Isn't a basketball game safe? I hope, because nothing has happened yet. I think there are measures of security that prevent that from happening, luckily. But what's next? That's what you have to wonder. It's too repetitive. It's not something that happens once every 20 years. It seems like it happens, like, once every week or every two weeks.
"At what point do we say, 'Enough'? I don't know. I know it's a delicate subject. But I hate for innocent people to get killed and for families to pay that price and carry that burden for the rest of their lives -- and the pain. It's just sad, just really sad."
