TITLE: Spurs salute Popovich with banner; Flagg evaluates Mavericks’ start; Harper rescues San Antonio; Dallas crowd voices frustration
SLUG: texas-basketball-notes-popovich-banner-flagg-comments-harper-performance-mavs-fans
CONTENT:
The San Antonio Spurs honored former head coach Gregg Popovich on Sunday by hanging a banner at Frost Bank Center before their home opener against the Brooklyn Nets.
The white banner, unveiled without a formal ceremony at Popovich’s request, features the words “Pop 1,390” to mark his NBA-record 1,390 coaching victories, followed by “Hall of Fame” in recognition of his 2023 enshrinement. Current head coach Mitch Johnson called the understated tribute “very Pop-esque.”
Popovich showed appreciation for fans in a full-page advertisement on A12 of the San Antonio Express-News, writing, “While I will miss being on the sidelines, I’m content knowing this transition came at a time when we were fortunate to have Mitch Johnson in place, ready to take over the program… Thank you for all the great years and here’s to many more.”
Mavericks rookie assesses winless opening
First-year forward Cooper Flagg addressed Dallas’s 0-2 start prior to Sunday night’s meeting with the Raptors, pointing to turnovers in a 117-110 loss to Washington. “Just silly ones we shouldn’t have thrown,” he said. Flagg has handled primary playmaking duties through three games and already joined LeBron James as the only NBA players younger than 19 to post at least 15 points, five rebounds and five assists in a game.
Harper sparks Spurs after lead slips
San Antonio nearly squandered a 26-point cushion against Brooklyn before rookie guard Dylan Harper delivered 20 points and eight assists off the bench in his third professional appearance. “He’s making all the right plays,” forward Keldon Johnson said. Mitch Johnson added that Harper’s defensive work impressed him even more than the box score.
Dallas crowd targets front office
“Fire Nico” chants aimed at general manager Nico Harrison were audible in both Mavericks defeats, including the opener against Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs and the subsequent loss to the Wizards. According to multiple reports, Harrison remains confident, buoyed by the backing of owner Patrick Dumont, who approved the trade that sent Luka Dončić out of Dallas.
Source: Hoops Rumors
