Basketball: 'Holy sh**' - Tragic death rocks NBA

LeBron James reacts in shock when told the news of Erin Popovich's passing.

LeBron James got his revenge when the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Indiana Pacers in the second game of their NBA playoff series.

However, the on-court action was put in perspective when it was revealed the wife of San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich had passed away on Thursday, aged 67.

Shortly after the Cavaliers' win, James was made aware of Erin Popovich's death.

James was visibly shocked to learn the news of Erin's passing during an on-court interview on live TV and was lost for words as he tried to comprehend the tragic development.

ESPN reporter Allie LaForce asked if James had a message for Popovich.

"Holy sh**," James eventually said as he choked back tears.

"I'm a huge Pop fan, I love Pop. That's such a tragedy. My best wishes go out to Pop and his family. That's devastating news.

"The NBA family, we all stick together. I know we compete every night but when something like this happens it really puts things in perspective so I send my well wishes and my prayers up to the heavens above."

The Spurs are currently taking on the Golden State Warriors in the NBA playoffs.

Spurs coach Greg Popovich. Photo / Getty

"We mourn the loss of Erin," Spurs general manager RC Buford said in a statement.

"She was a strong, wonderful, kind, intelligent woman who provided love, support and humour to all of us."

The reaction on social media quickly turned to whether the reporter — or her employer who may have directed her — was right to bring the topic up with James so soon after a game.

This sideline reporter for TNT was wrong to notify LeBron James of popovich’s wife’s death during a live television interview. He cussed on live tv btw

— Marcus Sullivan (@MarcusESullivan) April 19, 2018

I’m not blaming Allie LaForce for asking LeBron about Popovich’s wife. I blame the producer who wanted her to ask.

— Kevin McGuire (@KevinOnCFB) April 19, 2018

Never been a sideline reporter. I know its a tough gig. But dont think that was the right time to ask that question to LeBron about Gregg Popovich's wife. LeBron just finished a game. Had no idea that news/question was coming. Credit to LeBron for handling the question with class

— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) April 19, 2018

Erin Popovich had been "ill over an extended period", ESPN reported on Thursday.

The Popovichs were married four decades and had two children. Gregg Popovich has coach San Antonio since 1996, leading the Spurs to five NBA titles.