Popovich: A 41-0 record at home would be 'absolutely meaningless'

A perfect 41-0 record at the AT&T Center for the San Antonio Spurs looks great on paper, and would forever put head coach Gregg Popovich's team in the record books as the first roster to ever accomplish that feat for a season.

However, reaching that historic mark amounts to nothing once the playoffs get underway, which is exactly how Pop views things.

When asked about the record prior to San Antonio's road outing against the Denver Nuggets on Friday night, the three-time NBA Coach of the Year said pursuing 41-0 is "absolutely meaningless."

"What does it get you if you’re undefeated? Does it win you anything?" Popovich asked reporters. "That’s why it’s meaningless."

The only team in NBA history to finish with at least 40 victories on their home floor was the 1985-86 Boston Celtics (40-1), who eventually went on to hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy.

To secure the record, though, the Spurs will need to defeat a Golden State Warriors team who could be vying for win No. 72 on Sunday evening, which would tie them with the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls for the greatest single-season record of all time.

Popovich has already indicated that he will be playing all of his regulars against the defending NBA champions. When the two sides last squared off in the Lone Star State, it was the Spurs emerging with an 87-79 win.