Post by Motown Honey on Jun 23, 2005 23:44:53 GMT -5
I'm so disgusted right now 
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Popovich's third title bolsters his coaching legacy
By JAIME ARON, AP Sports Writer
June 24, 2005
SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Gregg Popovich is a self-deprecating wine connoisseur who hours before the biggest game of his career compared it to a Division III game he coached at Pomona-Pitzer.
He's also now a three-time NBA champion.
The heart and soul of the San Antonio Spurs as much as Tim Duncan, Popovich bolstered his reputation as one of the best coaches of his generation -- perhaps of any generation -- by guiding his club past the Detroit Pistons 81-74 Thursday night in Game 7 of the NBA Finals for their second title in three years and third in seven.
``I don't know how the hell we did it, but I don't care,'' a hoarse Popovich said during the trophy presentation.
Popovich became just the fifth coach to win at least three titles. He and Phil Jackson are the only coaches to win their first three NBA Finals. Jackson actually started 6-for-6 -- and with the way the Spurs are built, Popovich may have a chance to catch him.
This title was different from the first two for many reasons, from the absence of David Robinson to how close they came to blowing a 2-0 lead and going down as one of the biggest chokers in league history. But they pulled it out in a memorable Game 7 in which Popovich was still stalking the sideline, swatting cups off the scorers table in anger over an official's call with 10 seconds left.
This title is bittersweet for Popovich because it came against his mentor and best friend, Larry Brown, who brought him into the NBA as an assistant with the Spurs in July 1988.
``I wouldn't be standing here if it wasn't for Larry Brown,'' Popovich said. ``He's the best.''
The pals shook hands and hugged after the buzzer, then Popovich sought several other Detroit assistants and coaches before turning to his own team.
Manu Ginobili was the first to find his coach and he gave him a royal greeting, throwing his arms around Popovich in a huge bear hug, then lifting him into the air and twirling him around. It was the perfect scene between a player and coach whose give and take have been a vital part of this year's success.
Popovich recognized he needed to tolerate some of the wild things Ginobili does with the ball because he'll make more spectacular plays. As a result, the Spurs were able to become ``chameleons'' -- Popovich's word -- and outscore teams when they had to in this postseason, while still playing their usual smothering defense.
They also became champions. Again.
Detroit 74
San Antonio 81
/////////////////////////////////////////////////
Popovich's third title bolsters his coaching legacy
By JAIME ARON, AP Sports Writer
June 24, 2005
SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Gregg Popovich is a self-deprecating wine connoisseur who hours before the biggest game of his career compared it to a Division III game he coached at Pomona-Pitzer.
He's also now a three-time NBA champion.
The heart and soul of the San Antonio Spurs as much as Tim Duncan, Popovich bolstered his reputation as one of the best coaches of his generation -- perhaps of any generation -- by guiding his club past the Detroit Pistons 81-74 Thursday night in Game 7 of the NBA Finals for their second title in three years and third in seven.
``I don't know how the hell we did it, but I don't care,'' a hoarse Popovich said during the trophy presentation.
Popovich became just the fifth coach to win at least three titles. He and Phil Jackson are the only coaches to win their first three NBA Finals. Jackson actually started 6-for-6 -- and with the way the Spurs are built, Popovich may have a chance to catch him.
This title was different from the first two for many reasons, from the absence of David Robinson to how close they came to blowing a 2-0 lead and going down as one of the biggest chokers in league history. But they pulled it out in a memorable Game 7 in which Popovich was still stalking the sideline, swatting cups off the scorers table in anger over an official's call with 10 seconds left.
This title is bittersweet for Popovich because it came against his mentor and best friend, Larry Brown, who brought him into the NBA as an assistant with the Spurs in July 1988.
``I wouldn't be standing here if it wasn't for Larry Brown,'' Popovich said. ``He's the best.''
The pals shook hands and hugged after the buzzer, then Popovich sought several other Detroit assistants and coaches before turning to his own team.
Manu Ginobili was the first to find his coach and he gave him a royal greeting, throwing his arms around Popovich in a huge bear hug, then lifting him into the air and twirling him around. It was the perfect scene between a player and coach whose give and take have been a vital part of this year's success.
Popovich recognized he needed to tolerate some of the wild things Ginobili does with the ball because he'll make more spectacular plays. As a result, the Spurs were able to become ``chameleons'' -- Popovich's word -- and outscore teams when they had to in this postseason, while still playing their usual smothering defense.
They also became champions. Again.
Detroit 74
San Antonio 81
