Key Moments in the Career of Gregg Popovich
San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich has had a remarkable journey in the NBA, recently stepping down from his role. Here are some of the highlights from his storied career.
Dec. 10, 1996: A New Direction
Popovich took a bold step by firing coach Bob Hill and naming himself head coach on the same day that star player David Robinson returned from injury. At that point, the Spurs’ record stood at a disappointing 3-15.
June 25, 1997: The Draft of Tim Duncan
Winning the draft lottery allowed the Spurs to select Tim Duncan first overall. This decision transformed the team into a serious contender and marked the start of a significant partnership between Popovich and Duncan for many years.
June 25, 1999: First Championship
Just two years after drafting Duncan, Popovich led the Spurs to their first NBA title, defeating the New York Knicks by a narrow score of 78-77 in the finals.
June 15, 2003: Second Championship
In a season where the Spurs sent Robinson into retirement as a champion, they overcame the New Jersey Nets in six games, granting Popovich his second championship.
June 23, 2005: Third Championship
The Spurs clinched their third title with a victory over the Detroit Pistons, securing the win 81-74 in a hard-fought Game 7.
June 14, 2007: Fourth Championship
Popovich’s Spurs achieved a sweep against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning the series by an average of just six points per game.
March 16, 2009: Milestone Achieved
Popovich became the 24th coach in NBA history to reach 1,000 games, with only Phil Jackson and Pat Riley boasting better records at that point.
April 6, 2011: Passing a Legend
With a win against Sacramento, Popovich surpassed Red Auerbach for the second-most wins with a single team, cementing his legacy in coaching history.
June 15, 2014: Fifth Championship
Popovich joined an elite group of coaches by winning his fifth championship when the Spurs defeated the Miami Heat, showcasing their dominance throughout the series.
Feb. 4, 2017: Record-Breaking Win
With a victory against Denver, Popovich achieved career win No. 1,128, breaking the record for the most wins by a coach with one team.
Aug. 7, 2021: Olympic Success
Under Popovich’s leadership, the U.S. men’s basketball team secured its fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal, defeating France in a thrilling final.
March 11, 2022: All-Time Wins Leader
Popovich made history by becoming the NBA’s winningest coach, surpassing Don Nelson with career win No. 1,336 in a game against Utah.
Aug. 12, 2023: Hall of Fame Induction
After previously downplaying his own achievements, Popovich was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame, reflecting on the journey that brought him to this remarkable milestone.
Nov. 2, 2024: Health Challenges
After experiencing a stroke before a game, Popovich stepped back from coaching duties, allowing assistant Mitch Johnson to take over for the remainder of the season.
Feb. 27, 2025: Focus on Recovery
Popovich shared an update, expressing gratitude for Johnson’s leadership and showing determination to focus on his health, with hopes of returning to coaching.
May 2, 2025: Stepping Down
Popovich announced his decision to step down as head coach, expressing his love for the game and gratitude towards his players and fans while looking forward to supporting the Spurs organization in other ways.
Popovich’s impactful career has left a lasting mark on the NBA, and his contributions will be remembered for years to come.
