Popovich is one win away from becoming the NBA's all-time winningest coach.
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, tying the NBA record for most victories by a coach with 1,335. He did it with his dry wit.
During a timeout, Popovich called over to David Robinson to check himself into the game. Robinson sat courtside.
Popovich was on the verge of tying the mark when the Spurs lost four in a row. The veteran coach will attempt to pass Nelson when San Antonio hosts the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.
The Spurs raced out to a 31-22 lead after the first quarter and pulled away late with 22 fourth-quarter points.
Popovich said that they were a little bit quick and that they played good defense down the stretch. I think that fueled our lead.
Dejounte Murray had a double-double with 26 points and 10 rebound. Richardson was in his first start.
Richardson said that it was hard to put into words how much of an impact Popovich had on the Spurs organization.
Los Angeles had five players with 17 points or more, led by Talen Horton-Tucker who had 18 points.
In his postgame media availability, the Lakers coach said that he has incredible respect for Popovich, and that is something that most coaches around the league have.
Happy for him, wish it wasn't against us, but Pop is the best.
Richardson said that the Spurs are hoping to break the record in the next game. Richardson mentioned how much Popovich has meant to the NBA, its players and Team USA, even though he hasn't been in San Antonio long.
The San Antonio team that is 2.5 games away from the Western Conference play-in tournament cutoff line is focused on more than the record. Popovich's record is not being talked about in the locker room, according to Poeltl.
Poeltl said that Pop doesn't really care about stuff like that. It was not even mentioned. When we get the next win, I don't think it will be mentioned. It is just how he is.
The report was contributed to by the Associated Press.
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