Don Nelson, the second‑winningest coach in NBA history, was memorialized Thursday at a Dallas church as Showering legends gathered for a celebration of life. Don Nelson died Sunday at 86, leaving a legacy of 1,335‑1,063 regular‑season wins.

Hall‑of‑Fame guard Steve Nash spoke, recalling how Nelson shaped his career and life. Nash shared a heartfelt letter from fellow Hall‑of‑Fame Dirk Nowitzki, who could not attend but honored Nelson as a “legend” who understood his absence.

Nelson’s coaching career spanned 31 seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Dallas Mavericks, earning three NBA Coach of the Year awards and pioneering the “Nellie Ball” style that introduced terms like small ball and positionless play.

Other speakers included son Donnie Nelson, players Sidney Moncrief, Tim Hardaway, Chris Mullin, actor Owen Wilson (video), and Gregg Popovich, who reflected on how Nelson’s mentorship shaped his Hall‑of‑Fame run with the Spurs.