Every October, for the past several years, I have eagerly prepared to invest a significant amount of money to stream every San Antonio Spurs game. My decision comes with a nostalgic sentiment, as I reflect on the team’s illustrious past. The justification for such an expense is simple: Gregg Popovich, the greatest basketball coach of all time. In his impressive 27-year tenure with the Spurs, he has led the team to five championships and accumulated over 1,300 wins. He has provided San Antonio fans with a plethora of memories that will last a lifetime. Despite recent seasons being less successful, the team has continued to exhibit the same passion and respect for the game that Pop demands.
When I witness Keldon Johnson diving for a loose ball in a seemingly inconsequential game during a 20-win season in April, I am reminded of the moments when Manu Ginóbili fearlessly sacrificed his body for the team. It brings a smile to my face. Similarly, when Sandro Mamukelashvili unexpectedly steals the show in a surprise March victory against two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić, I am transported back to the Alamodome, cheering for the gritty performances of players like Malik Rose. These moments inspire me to continue supporting Popovich and the team, even during challenging times.
I hold onto the hope that with Pop’s continued leadership, the tides will turn. He has a remarkable ability to extract greatness from players who may not fully realize their potential. Fortunately, for the franchise and its fans, there is reason to believe that a player with unprecedented talent is on the horizon.
Last month, the Spurs secured the first pick in the NBA draft lottery. This annual event determines the draft order for teams that did not make the playoffs. The worse a team performs, the better their odds are of acquiring an early pick. It is widely expected that Victor Wembanyama, a 19-year-old French prodigy standing at 7 feet 2 inches, will be the chosen one. Wembanyama possesses the qualities of a center, combined with the ball-handling skills and finesse of a guard. NBA scouts have long been captivated by his talents, boldly comparing him to the likes of LeBron James. Soon, he may call San Antonio his home.
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, who anxiously watched the draft lottery from his car, shared his observations on the impact of this fortuitous event: “The Spurs are an integral part of our city. Instantaneously, we witnessed a shift in mood and a surge of hope across the entire community. The team has faced challenges in recent years, but fortune appears to have changed in an instant.” The anticipation and excitement are palpable, as evidenced by the deposit of approximately 3,000 fans for season tickets within two days after the lottery. The demand for courtside seats and suites is also soaring. It is estimated that Wembanyama’s arrival could increase the franchise’s value by a staggering $500 million due to his worldwide recognition and exceptional talent. San Antonio Spurs fans are well aware of the transformative power of a first-round pick—they’ve witnessed it before.
On May 18, 1997, the Spurs were positioned to obtain the coveted first pick in the draft lottery. Coming off a disappointingly poor season, the team was eager to leave those struggles behind. Ten years prior, they had selected David Robinson as the number one pick, and the prospect of pairing him with another top pick excited fans. That year, the Tim Duncan sweepstakes stole the spotlight. Duncan, who had dominated as a power forward at Wake Forest University, was unquestionably the frontrunner for the first overall selection. Despite not having the best odds, which belonged to the Boston Celtics, who had suffered numerous defeats in the closing games of the season, the Spurs remained hopeful. As the lottery unfolded, hope gradually transformed into belief. Spurs chair Peter Holt, brimming with excitement, shared his jubilation with reporters, emphasizing his elation as the remaining envelopes narrowed down to the final moments. When the envelope was finally opened, revealing the vibrant colors of the Spurs logo, Holt couldn’t contain his joy and triumphantly pumped his fists.
A little over a month later, on June 25, the Spurs made their selection official. Tim Duncan and David Robinson, two first overall picks, were poised to form a formidable partnership that would strike fear into the hearts of their opponents. Stu Jackson, the general manager of the Vancouver Grizzlies at the time, candidly expressed his dismay: “I don’t mind getting the fourth pick… What I mind is having to face Robinson and Duncan in the West four times next season.”
I turned six years old the following day, and Duncan became the cherished gift that kept on giving.
Two seasons after the arrival of Duncan, the Spurs’ fortunes began to flourish.
Fast forward to Memorial Day, May 31, 1999—an unforgettable moment in Spurs history. The team finds themselves in the Western Conference finals, just one series away from the championship. With only 12 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Spurs, who had once trailed by 18 points, have managed to bring the game within a two-point margin. Sean Elliott, the Spurs forward, executes a precisely timed maneuver reminiscent of an impromptu dance move. He catches the ball with only his pinkie toe brushing the sideline. With incredible composure, Elliott swiftly positions himself towards the hoop, his heels daringly close to being out-of-bounds. Rasheed Wallace, the formidable power forward for the Portland Trail Blazers, stretches his 7-foot-4-inch wingspan in a futile attempt to impede Elliott’s shot. However, Elliott’s laser-like focus remains unbroken as he elevates with picture-perfect shooting form.
As the ball sails through the air, NBC announcer Bob Costas exclaims, “He fires the three! And he hits it!” An eruption of jubilation fills the Alamodome—an arena seemingly engulfed by an exultant chorus of over 35,000 spectators. In my living room, located 20 miles away on Randolph Air Force Base, my family’s screams harmonize with the collective celebration. Some credit this defining shot as the catalyst for the Spurs dynasty. It wasn’t Robinson or Duncan who claimed victory with that shot, but it unequivocally signaled the team’s unwavering determination and resilience. It was a sign from the basketball gods that favored San Antonio. The Spurs went on to sweep the Trail Blazers, marching triumphantly into the NBA Finals.
Almost a month later, on June 25, in the fifth game of the Finals, the Spurs dominated the series 3-1, standing just one victory away from the ultimate prize. My family huddled closely around the television, anxiously witnessing the culmination of a season filled with arduous battles. With a mere 2.1 seconds remaining on the clock, Charlie Ward, the guard for the New York Knicks, attempts to inbound the ball from half-court. Avery Johnson, the dynamic Spurs guard, dances persistently in front of him, determined to create havoc. Ward lobs the ball to Latrell Sprewell, who is instantaneously met by the imposing presence of Duncan and Robinson. With arms raised, the iconic “Twin Towers” make Sprewell’s shot virtually impossible. Desperately, Sprewell releases the ball over their outstretched arms, resulting in an air ball that falls directly into the hands of Elliott. As the final buzzer resonates throughout the arena, Elliott emphatically slams the ball into the ground. Duncan, who had averaged an impressive 27 points and 14 rebounds per game during the series, is crowned Finals MVP.
We hastily attach Spurs flags to our Ford Windstar and embark on a jubilant journey downtown. The atmosphere is electric, horns blare triumphantly as my father rolls down the car windows, enabling us to join the euphoric celebration enveloping the city.
The morning after, I awake as an eight-year-old, realizing that life has bestowed upon me a remarkable gift.
In the subsequent years, the Spurs’ dominance continued, earning the city numerous NBA championships. Each time the team hoisted the treasured Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy—1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014—it was an invaluable present bestowed upon San Antonio. The Spurs have embodied the essence of consistency, weathering transitions in their roster while maintaining a strong core. Players like Tim Duncan, David Robinson, Avery Johnson, and Sean Elliott evolved into Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginóbili, and eventually evolved again into Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginóbili, and Kawhi Leonard. Throughout it all, Popovich has remained the guiding force behind their success.
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