December 24, 2024

GREGG POPOVICH, SPURS COACH BECOMES NBA REGULAR-SEASON WINS LEADER

(AP) — San Antonio Spurs coach 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 night 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.”