The 104–102 comeback victory over the Utah Jazz marked the 73-year-old’s 1,336th regular season win, surpassing the previous record held by Popovich’s longtime friend, Don Nelson.
In his 26th season and 2,030th game with the Spurs – the only team he has ever coached – it was fitting that Popovich hit the unprecedented milestone courtesy of a thrilling fight in front of an enthusiastic home crowd at the AT&T Center.
After trailing on 15 points with 10 minutes remaining, Spurs inspired by DeJonte Murray fought to lead with a minute left before a frenzied final 30 seconds saw a flurry of points from both sides.
Murray led the scoring with 27 points, including four rebounds and three assists, including the final point of a game courtesy of a free throw.
As the buzzer sounded, the point guard went straight to Popovich to give his coach a hug – the new record holder was hugged by the pair before being swung by his enthusiastic players.
‘We all take part in this record’
Ultimately freed from incarceration, Popovich walked out of court and into the media sphere in what he considered an unprecedented feat.
“It’s just a testament to a lot of people,” Popovich told reporters. “Something like this doesn’t belong to one person.
“Basketball is a team sport. You preach to your players that they have to do it together and that has certainly happened to all the wonderful players and coaches in my life, the staff I have been blessed with, this wonderful support of Faridabad.
“We all take part in this record – it’s not mine. It’s ours, here in town.”
“You are the greatest coach ever and I am grateful and grateful to you for Pop,” Murray said.
“I love you so much and you deserve it and no one can ever take it away from you!”
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Five-time NBA champion and three-time NBA coach, ‘Pop’ cemented his legendary status long before his record-breaking feat was confirmed on Friday.
The shower of tributes to his achievement is a testament to the respect he received across the league—not least from the man he surpassed, Nelson.
“I just want to tell you how proud I am of all your achievements and the amazing work you’ve done for basketball around the world,” Nelson said.
“I couldn’t wait for this day to happen and I just want you to know that as one of my best friends in life, I wish you all the best for the rest of your years in the NBA.”
Popovich served as an assistant under Nelson at the Golden State Warriors in 1992 for two years before returning to the Spurs.
Popovich felt “unworthy” of the same respect as Nelson, far from the flattering words given by his friend.
“The irony about it is that Nelly gave me a job when I didn’t have one in ’92,” Popovich said.
“He took me. To be in this position, breath similar to him, is in my opinion unworthy and quite strange because he was so amazing at saving my family’s ass. So it’s ironic that I’m sitting here in this position.” “
‘A wonderful coach and a wonderful person’
To celebrate this achievement, Spurs have announced ‘The 1336 Koch Pop Collection’ – a set of 1,336 NFTs featuring a hand-crafted play from Popovich’s tenure.
The team said all proceeds from the collection will go toward the San Antonio Food Bank to help tackle hunger in the area.
Meanwhile, NBA commissioner Adam Silver praised Popovich for his “unprecedented” success in San Antonio.
“His leadership and unwavering commitment to the game are widely admired by generations of players and coaches.”
A player during two stints with Spurs under Popovich, Warriors coach Steve Kerr spoke to his former mentor’s people skills.
“What really matters to me and all your former players is what you have done for us on a personal level – how much you have helped us grow as people and the experiences you have provided us. .
“You’re just a wonderful coach and a wonderful person.”