SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Gregg Popovich is now the winningest coach in NBA regular-season history, reaching 1,336 on Friday as the San Antonio Spurs rallied to beat the Jazz 104-102. Utah.
Popovich broke the tie with Don Nelson, his friend and mentor, whom he assisted during his two-year stint at Golden State beginning in 1992.
The milestone came in Popovich’s 2,030th game and in his 26th season with San Antonio, the only franchise he has coached.
And, as expected, Popovich didn’t make much noise to celebrate the occasion. It was his players who jumped around him and hugged him.
In the end, he was able to free himself and go to the locker room.
“This is simply a testament to what a lot of people have done,” said the coach. “Something like this does not belong to an individual. Basketball is a team sport. You preach to the players that they have to do everything together, and that is what has happened in my life, with all the tremendous players and staff that I have had and that has been a blessing. They have supported me in this wonderful city. And the fans cheer us on unconditionally.
“We all share this record. It’s not just mine, it’s ours, the whole city’s.”
The strategist often rejects or ignores praise for his personal achievements. He frequently claims that he just shows up at work and lets the ball roll.
Nothing could be further from reality.
Popovich is the fourth coach since the end of the first NBA season, who has been the all-time leader in wins. Rod Auerbach held the brand for nearly half a century, followed by Lenny Wilkens.
Then came Nelson and now Popovich.
“The irony of it is that Nellie gave me a job in ’92, when I didn’t have one,” Popovich said. “She chose Me. Being in this position, on the same level as him, is something that in my opinion I don’t deserve. I feel strange, because he was wonderful to save my family. So it’s ironic that I’m here, in this situation.”
After the game, the Spurs showed a video of Nelson congratulating Popovich, whom he considered one of his closest friends.
Nelson said he was proud of his former assistant’s accomplishments and “the wonderful things he has done for basketball around the world.”
“I’m so proud of you for pulling it off,” Nelson said. “I was looking forward to this day.”
Popovich has won five NBA championships and 13 division titles.
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