Gregg Popovich shares powerful tribute during Don Nelson’s service

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Gregg Popovich shares powerful tribute during Don Nelson’s service

Originally posted on NBA on ClutchPoints
By Zachary Draves, ClutchPoints | Last updated Aug 13, 2026 9:06 PM ET

It’s been four days since NBA legend Don Nelson passed away at age 86. On Thursday, loved ones attended his memorial service in Dallas, Texas. One of those attendees was former colleague and former San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich.

Popovich gave a moving eulogy, talking about how Nelson influenced him as a coach, per Wemby’s “Alien Era” on Bleacher Report.

“Most of the stuff I ran in San Antonio, I stole from you,” Popovich said. “And I just tweaked because I had different players. And that’s the truth.”

“I got a little PTSD here looking around at all these people, who were opponents mostly.” It’s obviously sad for everyone that it has to be an event like this for everybody to get together. Still, it’s emblematic of what Nellie did for almost all of us in the room.”

Coach Pop spoke at Don Nelson’s service today:

“Most of the stuff I ran in San Antonio, I stole from you. And I just tweaked because I had different players. And that’s the truth..

I got a little PTSD here looking around at all these people, who were opponents mostly.. it’s… pic.twitter.com/2zxRebndWh

— Wemby Alien Era (@WembyAlienEra) August 13, 2026

Popovich and Nelson were not only colleagues but lifelong friends. From 1992 to 1994, Popovich was an assistant coach under Nelson while with the Golden State Warriors. Previously, he had served as an assistant for the Spurs.

Eventually, Popovich served as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs from 1996 to 2025. Along the way, he won five NBA Championships (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014).

In 2022, Popovich surpassed Nelson to become the winningest coach in NBA history.

Nelson’s memorial service was held at the Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church in Dallas. Among the other attendees were Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, Rick Carlisle, Michael Finley, Mitch Richmond, Chris Mullin, and Tim Hardaway Sr.

Nelson was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.

This article first appeared on NBA on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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