San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich intends to return to coaching, he said Monday in his first public comments since suffering a stroke in early November.

Popovich, the NBA’s career coaching wins leader, released a statement through the Spurs expressing gratitude for the support he has received in recent weeks. He had what the Spurs said was a mild stroke about 2 1/2 hours prior to the team’s home game against Minnesota on Nov. 2.

There is no timetable for his return to coaching, though the Spurs have said doctors expect Popovich to make a full recovery.

“This has certainly been an unexpected six weeks for my family and me,” Popovich said. “As we work together on my recovery, I want to take a moment to share that the outpouring of support we’ve received during this time has been truly overwhelming in the best possible way.

“While I wish I could get back to each one of you, for now, let me say that my family and I are forever grateful. We’re thankful for our wonderful community, the entire Spurs organization, and our family and friends.”

The 75-year-old Popovich has led the Spurs to five championships and guided the United States to a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. He is in his 29th season as coach of the Spurs.

The stroke happened at the team’s arena, and since rescue workers were there, Popovich was able to start receiving treatment almost immediately. He was transported to a nearby hospital.

It has not been revealed what lingering effects of the stroke Popovich is dealing with, and how much longer his rehabilitation process may take. Longtime Spurs assistant Mitch Johnson has served as acting coach in Popovich’s absence.

FORMER SUNS STAR VAN ARSDALE DIES >> Dick Van Arsdale, a three-time All-Star who became the first Phoenix Suns player after being selected by the franchise in the 1968 expansion draft, has died. He was 81.

The 6-foot-5 Van Arsdale played his first three NBA seasons with the New York Knicks before being selected by the Suns with their first pick in the 1968 expansion draft. He was an All-Star during his first three seasons in the desert, averaging a career-high 21.9 points during the 1970-71 season.

CAVALIERS 130, NETS 101 >> Evan Mobley scored 21 points, Caris LeVert added 19 and Cleveland rolled to a win at Brooklyn.

Donovan Mitchell had 18 points and five assists, and Georges Niang had 17 points and nine rebounds for Cleveland (23-4), which won its second straight and for the sixth time in seven games.

Cameron Johnson had 22 points for the Nets (10-16), who lost their third straight.

76ERS 121, HORNETS 108 >> Tyrese Maxey scored 40 points, Paul George added 33 points and visiting Philadelphia spoiled LaMelo Ball’s return to the floor with a win over Charlotte.

Kelly Oubre Jr. had 19 points, while Andre Drummond, starting in place of the injured Joel Embiid, chipped in with 15 rebounds for the 76ers (8-16).

Ball returned to action after missing the last seven games with a strained calf, finishing with 15 points and 11 assists in nearly 26 minutes.

Ball’s return meant the Hornets (7-19) finally had their preseason projected starting five on the floor together for the first time this season.

PISTONS 125, HEAT 124 (OT) >> Tim Hardaway Jr. hit three 3-pointers in overtime to help host Detroit end Miami’s four-game winning streak.

Cade Cunningham had 20 points, a career-high 18 assists and 11 rebounds for the Pistons. Jimmy Butler had 35 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists for Miami.

Malik Beasley led the Pistons with 28 points and went 7 of 13 on 3-pointers.

BULLS 122, RAPTORS 121 >> Nikola Vucevic scored 24 points and Chicago edged host Toronto.

Chicago’s Lonzo Ball missed six of his first seven 3-point attempts before making a key shot from long distance late in the fourth.

RJ Barrett scored 32 points and Gradey Dick had 27, but the Raptors lost their fifth straight.