SAN ANTONIO — Gregg Popovich became the NBA’s all-time winningest coach on Friday night, notching his 1,336th career regular-season victory as the San Antonio Spurs rallied for a 104-102 victory against the Utah Jazz.
Popovich, 73, who has led the Spurs to five NBA titles since taking over the team in the 1996-97 season, passed Don Nelson for career wins.
Popovich tied Nelson’s NBA record on Monday night when the Spurs defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 117-110.
SPURS WIN! SPURS WIN! SPURS WIN! pic.twitter.com/Wg4N8sLxbI
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) March 12, 2022
It took Nelson 2,398 games to reach 1,335 wins, KSAT-TV reported. Popovich tied the mark in 2,028 games and broke the record in his 2,030th game.
Popovich also has 170 postseason victories.
“Very happy for Pop,” longtime Spurs point guard Tony Parker told ESPN. “Very happy. That is a helluva achievement. Well-deserved. That shows his hard work ethic and longevity.”
Handing off the all-time wins crown 👑🤝
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) March 12, 2022
Hoops legend and long-time friend Don Nelson salutes Coach Pop for passing him on the historic list 💯 pic.twitter.com/zRCCXY76x7
Popovich’s first regular-season victory was on Dec. 14, 1996, a Spurs win against the Dallas Mavericks at the Alamodome. He has won Coach of the Year honors three times and has a record 23 consecutive winning regular seasons, ESPN reported. Popovich has led the Spurs to 22 straight playoff appearances.
The Spurs used a 40-28 run in the fourth quarter on Friday to give Popovich his record-breaking victory.
Dejounte Murray scored 27 points to lead the Spurs (26-40).
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