End Of An Era: Recapping The Greatest Moments Of Gregg Popovich's Legendary Career

Popovich’s most pivotal decision came when the Spurs won the 1997 NBA Draft Lottery and selected Tim Duncan No. 1 overall. The pairing of Duncan with David Robinson formed the "Twin Towers," and under Pop’s guidance, San Antonio immediately transformed into a perennial powerhouse. 

In Duncan’s rookie year, the Spurs improved from 20 wins to 56 and made it to the second round of the playoffs. It was the genesis of a dynasty that would span nearly two decades, bringing Pop five championships and solidifying his place in history. Pop is one of the all-time great coaches, and his greatest moments came coaching the greatest power forward of all time. 

2. First NBA Championship (1999)

Popovich captured his first NBA title in the lockout-shortened 1998-99 season, leading the Spurs to a 15-2 playoff run and a 4-1 Finals victory over the New York Knicks. That year, San Antonio finished with the league’s best defense (1st in defensive rating, 84.7 points allowed per game), a Popovich trademark. 

Duncan was named Finals MVP, and Pop cemented his system of defense, discipline, and inside-out basketball as the gold standard for winning. The first championship was the most important for Pop's career, because it gave everyone the taste of victory that never left. 

3. 2003 Title: Passing The Torch To Duncan

The 2003 championship was ultimately symbolic. Popovich managed the difficult transition from David Robinson’s farewell season to Tim Duncan’s ascendance as the franchise centerpiece. 

Duncan delivered one of the greatest Finals performances ever (24.2 PPG, 17.0 RPG, 5.3 BPG vs. New Jersey), and Pop's tactical adjustments, especially exploiting mismatches and trusting young Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, signaled the dawn of a new Spurs era.

4. Back-to-Back Titles Elude, But 2005 Brings Redemption

In 2005, Pop’s Spurs edged the defending champion Pistons in a dramatic seven-game series that showcased vintage Popovich basketball: methodical offense, suffocating defense, and supreme execution. 

San Antonio’s Game 7 win (81-74) marked Pop’s third title and proved he could win in a grueling, grind-it-out fashion. Duncan earned Finals MVP (20.6 PPG, 14.1 RPG), but it was Pop’s trust in role players like Bruce Bowen and Robert Horry that tilted the series.

5. 2007: Sweeping LeBron And The Cavs

Popovich’s fourth championship came with a tactical masterclass as the Spurs swept a young LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2007 Finals. San Antonio's defense held LeBron to just 35.6% shooting in the series, and Parker, whom Pop once famously considered replacing, earned Finals MVP by posting 24.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. 

This title reinforced the Spurs' dominance and Pop’s defensive schemes as nearly impenetrable. It was also the most important turning point of Tony Parker's illustrious career in San Antonio because his legend status would soon become solidified. 

6. 2014 Redemption: The Beautiful Game

Perhaps Popovich’s masterpiece came in 2014, when the Spurs avenged their heartbreaking 2013 Finals loss to Miami by dismantling the Heat in five games by a record margin at the time. San Antonio’s ball movement was surgical; they averaged 105.6 points per game in the series and shot 52.8% from the field. They allowed only 91.6 points per game from LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and the rest of the Heat roster. 

Kawhi Leonard, whom Pop had developed quietly, exploded to Finals MVP (17.8 PPG, 6.4 RPG), and the Spurs’ 14.0-point average margin of victory marked one of the most dominant Finals performances ever. It also ended the iconic "Heatles" era in Miami as LeBron James would depart the team to return to Cleveland. 

7. Becoming NBA’s All-Time Winningest Coach (2022)

On March 11, 2022, Popovich notched his 1,336th career win, surpassing Don Nelson to become the NBA’s all-time leader in coaching victories. The milestone came with a 104-102 win over the Jazz, fittingly secured by a young Spurs roster, underscoring Pop’s dual legacy of both winning and developing talent. 

He finished his career with 1,422 total wins (1,422-869 record), a number unlikely to be eclipsed anytime soon. In terms of individual accolades, this has to rank among the very top accomplishments of Pop's career. 

8. Coaching Team USA To Olympic Gold (2020)

Pop added an international feather to his cap when he led Team USA to gold at the Tokyo Olympics. Overcoming early criticism after exhibition losses, Popovich steadied the team behind Kevin Durant's leadership and guided the squad to a 5-0 run in elimination play, capped by a win over France in the final. 

It was redemption for Pop, who had faced scrutiny for USA Basketball’s struggles in the previous World Cup. No doubt, it must feel good to have the Olympic gold medal on an already iconic resume. 

9. Mentoring Global Stars

Popovich’s influence extended beyond the NBA, he’s credited with helping globalize the game. Under his watch, international players like Manu Ginóbili (Argentina), Tony Parker (France), Boris Diaw (France), and Patty Mills (Australia) blossomed. 

By 2014, his Spurs became the first team in NBA history to win a championship without a single American starter in Game 3 of the Finals, a testament to Pop’s vision of basketball without borders.

10. Laying Foundation For Wembanyama's Rise (2023-24)

Even in his twilight seasons, Popovich left his mark on the future. In 2023-24, he mentored Victor Wembanyama, helping the 7'4" phenom develop into the Rookie of the Year (21.4 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 3.6 BPG) while embracing the rigors of NBA life. 

Pop’s commitment to teaching never wavered, and his guidance during Wemby’s formative year ensured San Antonio’s next era would be built on the same foundation of discipline and excellence.