Tag Archives: Gregg Popovich

Benching your star

spursOK, I don’t talk sports very often on this blog. However, I’ve made it no secret that I’m a fan of the San Antonio Spurs. There is a lot I like about that organization, beyond the fact that they win a lot.

The team focuses on basketball. Not a lot of flash. Not a lot of drama. They just play basketball and do it well.

Since Tim Duncan was drafted in 1997, things have revolved around him. People call him “The Big Fundamental,” and even as he ages, he continues to play remarkably well. In fact, 2012-13 has been one of his best seasons.

But when the Spurs beat the Golden State Warriors the other night to end their playoff series, Duncan wasn’t on the floor. It was a close, hard-fought game. And Duncan watched the last 4:28 minutes of that game from the bench.

You see, Golden State was taking advantage of Duncan’s age and lack of quickness. For that one specific instance, he was a liability.

So Gregg Popovich pulled his 2nd team All-Defensive player, his perennial all star, his franchise player. He put in Tiago Splitter, a younger and quicker player.

And nobody made a big deal about it. Not Duncan. Not Popovich. Not the Spurs. Because for them, it’s not about egos. It’s about winning basketball games.

I should draw some spiritual lesson at this point, but I don’t have one. I was just reminded of one of the reasons why I really respect the Spurs organization.

And why I can say with pride: Go, Spurs, go!