Low-key! The Spurs have raised a banner honoring Popovich's 1,390 wins, with no public ceremony held, fitting his style.

On October 27th Beijing time, the Spurs won their home opener 118-107 against the Nets, securing a three-game winning streak. Wembanyama scored 31 points with 14 rebounds and 6 blocks, while Harper contributed 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists. Home fans quickly noticed a new addition: a banner above the arena marking Popovich’s 1,390 wins.

However, no public ceremony accompanied the raising of this banner, clearly indicating that Popovich preferred to avoid any grand celebrations.

“It really suits Pop’s style,” said Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson. “Obviously, being honored alongside those whose jerseys have been retired is a tremendous distinction. He coached for 29 years, the longest tenure in the organization, and led the team to five championships. I can’t praise him enough for all of that.”

“Everything you see or hear about this team is inseparable from his involvement and influence. He devoted immense effort, time, and energy to many aspects often unseen—even by people within the team—such as valuing players, managing every detail, his approach to work, consistent attitude, and the passion, sweat, and tears we all put in.”

This commemorative banner hangs alongside the retired jerseys of David Robinson (#50), Sean Elliott (#32), Avery Johnson (#6), Bruce Bowen (#12), Tim Duncan (#21), Manu Ginobili (#20), and Tony Parker (#9) in the arena.

Without a grand ceremony, fans looked up at the Frost Bank Center dome to see a simple white banner reading “Pop 1390,” honoring his NBA coaching win record. The banner features the Spurs logo, five stars at the top symbolizing the five championships Popovich brought to a previously struggling team, and “Hall of Fame” at the bottom to commemorate his 2023 basketball hall of fame induction.

In May 2024, Popovich stepped down as Spurs head coach, ending a 29-year coaching career. During this time, he became the NBA’s all-time winningest coach and was inducted into the Hall of Fame. After suffering a stroke at the team’s home court on November 2, 2024, he ceased coaching but remained with the organization as team president.

Johnson, who served as interim head coach last year, was officially promoted to head coach in May this year.

“Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to receive Popovich’s guidance in various roles, and our relationship has grown stronger with time,” Johnson said. “At different times and places, he has helped many people, which is undoubtedly one of his most remarkable qualities.”