Spurs: Raps deny Popovich historic win, but Casey has nothing but praise for him and Duncan
If the prospect of solidifying his already spectacular legacy as one of basketball’s winningest coaches was anywhere in his mind, Gregg Popovich sure didn’t let you know it. The mere suggestion he’d have any feelings about trying to clinch his 1,000th career victory Sunday night was gruffly dismissed as ridiculous.
“Pfff,” shrugged Popovich. “Gimme a break.”
As it turned out, the milestone coach Pop didn’t care to discuss will have to wait a little longer. His San Antonio Spurs posted their worst shooting percentage of the season in Sunday’s 87-82 loss to the Raptors, a young team with several players who hadn’t even started high school when Popovich and his all-star forward, Tim Duncan, started their legendary stretch together in 1997.
For Raptors coach Dwane Casey, the Duncan-Popovich example has set the bar for his team: versatile and consistent.
“I’ve always tried to emulate the style of play that San Antonio plays . . . the draw and kick, the pass-pass-attack approach. They do it as well as anyone,” said Casey ahead of Sunday night’s game.
“He’s the envy of all coaches. Pop has done a great job of bringing guys through his program, also picking guys out and plugging them in to where he needs them.”
No one has been more important to Popovich’s Spurs — except maybe hall of famer David Robinson — than Duncan. The veteran forward has played for Popovich his entire career, chalking up five championships and claiming a place as an all-time great.
Now pushing 38, Duncan is having another marquee year: selected as an all-star for the 15th time, averaging more than 14 points and 10 rebounds while playing more than 30 minutes per game.
“He’s one of the best ever,” Casey said. “He’s right up there with a guy like (Karl) Malone, he and (Kevin Garnett) both. But they made the evolution even more so than from that old-style throwback to today’s NBA: up-tempo, the small fours, the shooting fours — both of them went through that transition as players.”
In Duncan’s case, he’s seen everything under Popovich’s watchful eye. More than halfway through his 19th season, Popovich has a .684 career win percentage, second only to Phil Jackson among coaches in all four major sports with 15 or more years behind the bench.
But Popovich, speaking to reporters in his stern, somewhat abrasive way, said there’s nothing too complicated about success in the NBA. It’s just a matter of working hard and minimizing mistakes.
“Once you get on the court, it’s all the same. It’s basketball. There’s no new pick-and-roll defence. There’s no new post defence. There’s no magic plays. The guys that compete and execute for the longest period of time win the ball game,” said Popovich.
“It’s not that difficult.” With files from Doug Smith