NBA Finals Kick Off in San Antonio

It’s that time again—another NBA Finals is underway in San Antonio.

Mike Brown, who sat on the bench with Gregg Popovich during the 2003 Finals at what is now the Frostbank Center, was a young assistant back then. That series against the Nets ended with a celebratory parade along the San Antonio River.

Fast forward four years, and Brown found himself head coach of a young superstar, LeBron James, as he aimed to lead the Cavaliers against Tim Duncan’s Spurs in what many considered an upset.

Now, at 56, Brown is back in San Antonio, the city where his family still resides. But this time, he’s faced with the challenge of defeating the very team that helped kick-start his coaching career to snag his first championship as head coach.

“They definitely want to beat me, and I want to beat them,” Brown said after Sunday’s practice. “You love them and can always love them later… I have a connection to San Antonio. You appreciate the people and the journey, sure. But in the end, the desire to win—yeah, that’s strong.”

When he first arrived in San Antonio, Brown was only 30 and still relatively green. He spent three years there (2000-2003) as an assistant, diligently compiling scouting reports and crafting color-coded practice schedules.

Popovich, a five-time champion, became an important mentor during that time. After Brown faced his third firing in 2014, Popovich informally encouraged him to return from his coaching hiatus, offering a role as a volunteer consultant and inviting him to all team-related activities.

Brown’s life has changed in many ways; living part-time in San Antonio, he’s in a new chapter, even sleeping in a room that once belonged to Danny Ferry’s son, surrounded by Spider-Man décor. He dedicated a significant portion of the season assisting a coach he felt he couldn’t quite repay.

“His efforts will be remembered for as long as basketball is played,” Brown remarked. “It’s not just about the teams he coached, but the overall impact he’s made. His influence will always be felt. I have immense respect for this organization; I’ve had great experiences and cherished memories here.”