The 2000–01 San Antonio Spurs season was the franchise’s 24th season in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the second season under head coach Gregg Popovich. The Spurs finished the regular season with a league‑best record of 58–24, winning the Midwest Division. The team advanced to the Western Conference Finals, where it was eliminated by the Los Angeles Lakers in a six‑game series.
Regular season
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Record | 58 wins – 24 losses (league‑best) |
| Division | Midwest Division champions |
| Conference standing | 1st seed in the Western Conference |
| Home arena | Alamodome |
| Head coach | Gregg Popovich (2nd full season) |
| General manager | R. C. Davis |
| Owner | Peter Kleiner (majority) |
Key players and statistics (regular‑season averages)
| Player | Position | Points per game | Rebounds per game | Assists per game | Blocks per game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Duncan | PF/C | 23.2 | 12.4 | 3.0 | 2.2 |
| David Robinson* | C | 13.4 | 7.5 | 2.0 | 1.8 |
| Sean Elliott | SF | 13.9 | 4.8 | 1.8 | 0.8 |
| Steve Smith | SG | 10.6 | 2.4 | 2.2 | 0.3 |
| Avery Johnson | PG | 7.6 | 1.9 | 5.5 | 0.2 |
| Brent Barry | SG | 9.6 | 4.1 | 2.4 | 0.4 |
| Mario Elie | SG | 6.1 | 2.1 | 1.3 | 0.2 |
*David Robinson announced that the 2000‑01 season would be his final year as a player.
Roster highlights
- Tim Duncan (PF/C) – two‑time NBA Most Valuable Player (1999, 2003) and defensive anchor.
- David Robinson (C) – former MVP (1995) and Hall of Famer; concluded his 14‑year career with the Spurs.
- Steve Smith (SG) – acquired via free agency in the offseason; provided veteran scoring.
- Sean Elliott (SF) – guard/forward known for his versatility and defensive contributions.
- Avery Johnson (PG) – point guard and floor general; later became head coach of the Spurs.
Season summary
The Spurs opened the campaign strongly, posting a 10‑0 start before experiencing intermittent loss streaks. Their defense, anchored by Duncan and Robinson, ranked among the league’s best, while the offense benefited from a balanced scoring attack. Midway through the season, the team signed veteran guard Steve Smith, who contributed perimeter shooting and experience.
San Antonio’s 58‑24 record earned them the top seed in the Western Conference. The Spurs posted a 37‑4 home record at the Alamodome, the best home winning percentage in the league.
Playoffs
| Round | Opponent | Series result | Notable performances |
|---|---|---|---|
| First round (Best‑of‑5) | Minnesota Timberwolves | Spurs win 3–1 | Tim Duncan recorded a 30‑point, 14‑rebound double‑double in Game 2. |
| Western Conference Semifinals (Best‑of‑7) | Dallas Mavericks | Spurs win 4–1 | Duncan and Robinson combined for 68 points in Game 3. |
| Western Conference Finals (Best‑of‑7) | Los Angeles Lakers | Lakers win 4–2 | Despite a 28‑point effort from Duncan in Game 5, the Lakers closed the series in Game 6. |
The loss ended the Spurs’ season in the conference finals; the Lakers proceeded to capture the NBA championship.
Awards and honors
- Tim Duncan – All‑NBA First Team, NBA All‑Defensive First Team, NBA All‑Star (selected for the eighth consecutive appearance).
- David Robinson – NBA All‑Defensive Second Team, NBA All‑Star (final All‑Star appearance).
- Gregg Popovich – NBA Coach of the Year (awarded for the 1999‑2000 season; not a recipient for 2000‑01). No coaching award was presented to Popovich for the 2000‑01 campaign.
- Tim Duncan – NBA Most Valuable Player (not awarded this season; the 2000‑01 MVP went to Allen Iverson).
Transactions
- Free‑agent signing: Steve Smith (guard) – signed July 2000.
- Trade: The Spurs acquired guard Brent Barry from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for a future second‑round draft pick (January 2001).
- Retirement: David Robinson announced his retirement at the conclusion of the season; his last game was on May 5, 2001, versus the Dallas Mavericks.
Legacy
The 2000‑01 season marked the final year of David Robinson’s Hall of Fame career and the last season in which the Spurs competed in the NBA’s Midwest Division before the 2004 conference realignment. Although the team did not capture a championship, the season reinforced San Antonio’s status as a premier franchise in the early 2000s, setting the stage for future titles in 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014.
