(Gregg Popovich) was in a hurry to get to New York, where the Spurs complete another four-games-in-five-nights set tonight against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, a short cab ride from NBA commissioner David Stern’s Manhattan office no less.

The last time Popovich faced a similar situation, he sent Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Danny Green home before a nationally televised game at Miami. The league office responded by levying a $250,000 fine against the Spurs.

Popovich has said it takes a “confluence of circumstances” for him to rest so many players at once. And, he doesn’t even really call it “rest.”

“It’s not about rest,” Popovich said. “It’s about being as healthy as possible at the end of the year. What we did is about health and safety of players, so that they’re there, and we have a shot at the end of the year. There’s a difference.”

“I was hoping I could get some guys a little bit more rest,” Popovich said. “(The Bucks) didn’t allow that.”

via Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express