# Spurs loss sparks NBA origin story

> Mavericks coach Dusty May recalls a Spurs Finals game as his NBA career start.
- Title: Spurs loss sparks NBA origin story · Yahoo Sports | Shortify
- Summary: Mavericks coach Dusty May recalls a Spurs Finals game as his NBA career start. Mavericks coach Dusty May credits a 2026 Spurs Finals game as his NBA coaching…
- Keywords: dusty may, spurs, nba finals, mavericks, nba coaching, college basketball, national championship, knicks, game of thrones, alumni event, Yahoo Sports
- Source: Yahoo Sports — https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/spurs-finals-loss-became-nba-120000747.html
- Published: 2026-11-07T12:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: dusty may, spurs, nba finals, mavericks, nba coaching, college basketball, national championship, knicks, game of thrones, alumni event, sports
## Spurs Finals game
Dusty May watched a Spurs Finals game during a 2026 NBA playoff game.
## May's college background
May was Michigan Wolverines head coach who won a 2026 national championship.
## Alumni event call
May received a call from Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel to attend an alumni event.
## NBA game attendance
May attended a Knicks-Spurs game after checking NBA.com for a Finals game.
## Game observation
May watched the Spurs build a 29-point halftime lead before blowing it.
## Knicks fan connection
May sat next to Kit Harington, a Knicks fan who played Jon Snow on Game of Thrones.
## NBA coaching inspiration
May said watching the Spurs game inspired his NBA coaching career.
## Mavericks coaching role
May became Dallas Mavericks head coach after the Spurs game.
## Story origin
May's Spurs game experience became his NBA coaching origin story.
## Key takeaway

Mavericks coach Dusty May credits a 2026 Spurs Finals game as his NBA coaching origin story.