The Spurs quietly raised a banner honoring Gregg Popovich's NBA-record 1,390 regular-season wins in late October, tucked in the rafters next to the retired jerseys of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. No ceremony. No announcement. That's exactly how Popovich wanted it.

Popovich, 77, suffered a stroke on Nov. 2, 2024 and now serves as president of basketball operations, typically watching practice from the background after rehabilitation workouts under Duncan's watch. The young roster—seven of ten rotation players are under 26—gravitates toward him constantly. "It's always great to have Pop around," said point guard Stephon Castle. "When we see him, we go up to greet him all the time."

A win Friday night sends the Spurs to the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2017. Only one starter, De'Aaron Fox, has playoff experience. But the franchise's championship DNA remains embedded throughout the organization—Duncan, Ginobili and David Robinson regularly work out at the facility, mentoring this inexperienced group. "Everyone's connected from the organization, from 20 years ago to now," rookie Dylan Harper said. "Yesterday I'm working out and I randomly see Tim Duncan, Gregg Popovich and Manu Ginobili. That's not something you'll see in any organization."

The continuity flows through CEO R.C. Buford, who worked alongside Popovich for years and now supports the current regime led by coach Mitch Johnson and GM Brian Wright. Keldon Johnson, the NBA Sixth Man of the Year, captured the sentiment: "[Popovich] was one of the hardest people on me. He really helped me become a true professional, a better young man on and off the court."