Popovich becomes regular-season wins leader as Spurs top Jazz
SAN ANTONIO — Gregg Popovich’s name is on top of the NBA regular-season victory list. He thinks of it more as a group accomplishment.
“All of us share in this record,” Popovich said Friday after getting his record-breaking 1,336th victory when the San Antonio Spurs rallied to beat the Utah Jazz 104-102. “It’s not mine. It’s ours, here in the city.”
Popovich broke a tie with Don Nelson, the friend and mentor he served as an assistant under while with Golden State for two seasons. The milestone came in Popovich’s 2,030th game and 26th season with the Spurs, the only franchise he has served as head coach for.
“It’s just a testament to a whole lot of people,” Popovich said. “Something like this does not belong to one individual. Basketball’s a team sport. You preach to your players that they have to do it together and that’s certainly been the case in my life with all the wonderful players and coaches, the staff that I’ve been blessed with, the support of this wonderful city. The fans support us no matter what.”
Unsurprisingly, the evening was met with zero fanfare.
That is, until the end — players mobbed the 73-year-old Popovich when the game was over, jumping around and hugging him until he could break free and headed to the locker room. Popovich was doused with a cooler of water as huge roars could be heard from the locker room as the Spurs celebrated along with Hall of
Famer David Robinson.
“Tonight, he had to enjoy it,” Spurs guard Dejounte Murray said. “He had no option.”
The Spurs released a video from Nelson after the game, congratulating Popovich — who he called one of his best friends — and telling him how proud he is of his former assistant’s accomplishments
“and all the wonderful things you’ve done for basketball, worldwide.”
“I’m so proud of you for doing it,” Nelson said. “I couldn’t wait for this day to happen.”
Popovich has won five NBA championships, 13 division titles and was recently named one of the 15 greatest coaches in league history.
“Gregg Popovich’s success with the Spurs is unprecedented in our league so it’s only fitting that he now holds the record for most career wins,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.
“His leadership and unwavering commitment to the game are widely admired by generations of players and coaches alike. Congratulations to Coach Pop on this latest achievement in his legendary career.”