A 104-102 win over Utah Jazz secured the 73-year-old 1336th regular season victory, beating the previous record of Popovich’s longtime friend Don Nelson.
In his 26th season and his 2030s match against Spurs – the only team he has ever coached – it was good that Popovich achieved an unprecedented milestone with an exciting fight in front of an enthusiastic audience at the AT&T Center.
With 15 points clear with 10 minutes left, the inspired Dejounte Murray Spurs fought back to move forward one minute from the end before the insane last 30 seconds brought an avalanche of points from both sides.
Murray led with 27 points, adding four rebounds and three assists, including the final point of the game courtesy of a free kick.
As the buzzer sounded, the quarterback went straight to Popovich to embrace his coach – the pair hugged before the new record holder was surrounded by his delighted players.
“We all have a share in this record”
After finally breaking out of the crowd, Popovich left the court and moved to the media area to reflect on an unprecedented achievement.
“This is just a testimony for a lot of people,” Popovich told reporters. “Something like this doesn’t belong to one person.
“Basketball is a team sport. You proclaim to your players that they have to do it together and it has certainly been in my life with all the great players and coaches, the staff who have been blessed with the support of this great City.
“We all participate in this record – it’s not mine. He’s ours here in town.
Sharing pictures of two involving Murray tweeted his recognition of “the greatest coach of all time”.
“You’re the greatest coach of all time, and I’m grateful to you, Dad,” Murray said.
“I love you so much and you deserve it and no one can take it from you!”
Friends upstairs
Five-time NBA champion and three-time NBA Coach of the Year, “Pop” solidified his legendary status long before his record-breaking feat was confirmed on Friday.
The outpouring of tributes following his achievement is a testament to the respect he has throughout the league – not least from the man he surpassed, Nelson.
In addition to Popovich, who was one of just five coaches to win five championships, Nelson was one of the first to congratulate his “old buddy” in a video message tweeted by Ostrogi.
“I just want to say how proud I am of all your accomplishments and the great things you have done for basketball around the world,” said Nelson.
“I was looking forward to this day, and I want you to know that as one of my best friends in life, I wish you all the best for the rest of the years in the NBA.”
Popovich served as an assistant under Nelson’s direction to the Golden State Warriors in 1992, two years before returning to Spurs.
Far from flattering his friend from his friend, Popovich said he “does not deserve” the same respect as Nelson.
“The ironic thing is that Nellie gave me a job when I didn’t have one in 1992,” Popovich said.
He seized me. To be in that position, just like him, is unfair and quite awkward in my opinion because he was so great at saving my family’s ass. So it’s ironic that I’m sitting here in this situation. “
“Amazing trainer and amazing man”
To commemorate this achievement, Spurs announced The 1336 Coach Pop Collection, a set of 1336 NFTs, each featuring hand-drawn art from Popovich’s tenure.
All proceeds from the collection will go to the San Antonio Food Bank to help combat hunger in the area, the team said.
Meanwhile, NBA commissioner Adam Silver praised Popovich for his “unprecedented” success in San Antonio.
“Gregg Popovich’s success with Spurs is unprecedented in our league, so it’s enough that he now has the record for most career wins.” statement read on Silver on Friday.
“His leadership and unwavering dedication to the game are widely admired by generations of players and coaches.”
Warriors coach Steve Kerr, a contestant under Popovich, talked about the skills of his former mentor during two runs with Spurs.
“Forget about wins, forget about the record, about all of this,” said Kerr in the film tweeted by Warriors.
“What really matters to me and all your ex-players is what you meant to us on a personal level – how much you’ve helped us grow as people and the experiences you’ve provided us.
“You’re just an amazing trainer and an amazing person.”