While sports are mostly physical, the emotional side of the game has quietly grown through years of battles and fierce rivalries. Some iconic NBA duos like Pat Riley and Magic Johnson built bonds that stretch way beyond wins, losses, and championship trophies. The same can be said for Phil Jackson’s relationship with Michael Jordan. And then, with the late Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles. Since entering the league in 1997, Tim Duncan has also developed an unbreakable bond with his longtime San Antonio Spurs coach. It’s Gregg Popovich. Recently, Duncan’s former teammate Robert Horry revealed another important name connected to that friendship: two-time NBA champion David Robinson. Fans always knew about Duncan and Pop’s brotherhood, but Horry’s revelation adds another fascinating layer to the Spurs’ tight-knit culture.

Gregg Popovich officially stepped down as San Antonio Spurs coach on Friday, closing a remarkable three-decade run with the franchise. Popovich led the Spurs to five NBA championships. And he became the league’s all-time wins leader and entered the Basketball Hall of Fame. Across those thirty years, Popovich built strong chemistry with several players. But Tim Duncan always held the closest connection to him. During one interview, Popovich joked about their bond, saying, “He doesn’t really even talk to me that much anymore. We’ve been married so long.” Now, Robert Horry has added another surprising name to that relationship story: it’s David Robinson.

In a recent episode of Nightcap, Robert Horry was asked about the special chemistry between Gregg Popovich and Tim Duncan. Horry surprised everyone by saying, “I think we’re going to back this up a little bit because you really have to credit David Robinson.” Back when Duncan joined the team, Robinson was already the team’s leader and deeply familiar with the franchise’s territory. Horry explained how Robinson helped Duncun, saying, “When Tim came, David was like, ‘Yo, this is what we do here.’”

You see, Horry believes, Duncan quickly adapted to the Spurs’ environment by simply following the lead Robinson set inside that locker room. Although fans might’ve assumed it was always just Gregg and Duncan, Horry revealed Robinson played a crucial early role, too. Although there’s likely more to uncover about these behind-the-scenes moments. But for the time being, this is where Horry left his explanation hanging.

Gregg Popovich carves a new trail with the San Antonio Spurs

There are some names in sports that feel bigger than the game. And for Spurs fans, Gregg Popovich has been that household name. Gregg Popovich officially stepped down as San Antonio Spurs head coach on Friday, thus closing the curtain of a ridiculous three-decade run on the sidelines. This is the guy who turned a small-market team into a dynasty. And made fans believe that winning feels like business as usual in San Antonio.

You don’t have to believe in my words, just take a look at his records. He brought home five titles, became the league’s all-time wins leader, and earned a Hall of Fame jacket like it was no big deal. Gregg said, “While my love and passion for the game remain, I’ve decided it’s time to step away as head coach,” but if you think that he is stepping down to take a rest. Then you are wrong. He isn’t walking away. He’s sliding into the team president role to keep his fingerprints on everything.

Luckily, Greg is not leaving things in the midst of chaos. Mitch Johnson, the young assistant who ran the final 77 games this season, will officially grab the coaching reins moving forward. If you’ve followed the Spurs even casually, you know Greg has been the heartbeat of that locker room for years. Gregg’s final head coaching record reads like something out of a video game.

1,422 wins to 869 losses, plus 170 playoff victories. That playoff total? It’s the highest ever for one coach with a single franchise. No shame in admitting that this man literally built the Spurs empire almost by himself. Although Phil Jackson and Pat Riley might have higher playoff win totals. But neither stayed loyal to one city like Greg did.

Manu Ginobili said it best last year: “The best there ever was.” Honestly, it’s hard to argue with that one. So, Spurs fan, what’s your favorite Popovich moment? Drop it below, and let’s give the man the love he deserves.