SAN ANTONIO - If Ettore Messina's three-game stint as the Spurs acting head coach was an audition of sorts for the head coaching job in Charlotte, he should be in good standing heading into his interview with the Hornets.

Filling in for the grieving Gregg Popovich after his wife died last week, Messina guided the Spurs to a 1-2 record against the Golden State Warriors that included a near victory in the fifth and deciding game Tuesday night in Oakland, Calif.

The Spurs rallied from a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter before falling 99-91 to the Warriors, who will face the New Orleans Pelicans in the Western Conference semifinals.

"He handled it very well, with great composure," Spurs center Pau Gasol said of Messina. "He handled the adversity and also the opportunity really well. He sent the right message to the team coaching the right way. He was always sharp and in control of the situation. He did a good job."

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If the Hornets hire him, the 58-year-old Italian would become the first European to become an NBA head coach.

"I think the time has come," Spurs guard Manu Ginobili said. "For sure, he's very capable and experienced."

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Gasol agreed.

"Messina has been one of the top head coaches in Europe," Gasol said. "It's hard to get that opportunity in the NBA, but if there's someone who should get it, it should be him.

"It would be a great step, kind of like when the first European players came to the NBA and proved they could play and make a difference and handle themselves well."

The Hornets have reportedly scheduled interviews with Messina, former Memphis Grizzlies coach David Fizdale and another Spurs assistant, Ime Udoka.

Messina was asked about his interest in the job after Tuesday's game.

"I don't feel now is the time to talk about it," he said. "If I ever have an opportunity, the first thingI will do is talk to Coach Pop and (Spurs general manager) R.C. Buford and will see from there."

Messina has been the Spurs' top assistant since 2014. Udoka has been on Popovich's staff since 2010.

The Hornets fired Steve Clifford following a 36-46 season, his fifth campaign with the club.

Messina and Udoka aren't the only Spurs assistants up for a head coaching job. The New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns have shown an interest in James Borrego, who has been with the Spurs as an assistant since 2015.