Mike Finger
@mikefinger.bsky.social
San Antonio Express-News sports columnist. Stretch four. Digit.
Pinned
Mike Finger
@mikefinger.bsky.social
· May 5
One last time, Gregg Popovich lives up to the moment
Popovich explained why it was time for him to retire from coaching, and why Mitch Johnson is the ideal man to lead the San Antonio Spurs.
www.expressnews.com
He didn't have to show up Monday. Fearing he wasn't ready, some tried to talk him out of it.
But understanding the moment, Gregg Popovich was determined to live up to it, one last time.
Gift link to a column about one of the darnedest things I've ever seen:
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
But understanding the moment, Gregg Popovich was determined to live up to it, one last time.
Gift link to a column about one of the darnedest things I've ever seen:
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
Put every single one of them in jail.
(I don’t mean every single person in the fight. I mean every single person who plays pickleball.)
(I don’t mean every single person in the fight. I mean every single person who plays pickleball.)
In Florida, a husband and wife playing pickleball were charged with felony battery after instigating a brawl involving 20 people that got them banned for life from a country club, the authorities said.
Florida Couple Arrested After Pickleball Match Turns into Fisticuffs
The couple, who were banned for life from a country club in Port Orange, Fla., face felony battery charges after the fight, which involved 20 people, the authorities said.
nyti.ms
February 14, 2026 at 1:49 AM
Put every single one of them in jail.
(I don’t mean every single person in the fight. I mean every single person who plays pickleball.)
(I don’t mean every single person in the fight. I mean every single person who plays pickleball.)
Realize the mileage of other scribes in other cities might have varied, but I thoroughly enjoyed Chris Paul’s six months in SA. A cantankerous old head who loved talkin’ ball.
And however big of a star Steph Castle becomes for the Spurs, it'll be owed at least in small part to his adopted uncle.
And however big of a star Steph Castle becomes for the Spurs, it'll be owed at least in small part to his adopted uncle.
February 13, 2026 at 6:33 PM
Realize the mileage of other scribes in other cities might have varied, but I thoroughly enjoyed Chris Paul’s six months in SA. A cantankerous old head who loved talkin’ ball.
And however big of a star Steph Castle becomes for the Spurs, it'll be owed at least in small part to his adopted uncle.
And however big of a star Steph Castle becomes for the Spurs, it'll be owed at least in small part to his adopted uncle.
Surely I’m not the only old coot who always thinks of Gene Hackman when walking by here.
February 12, 2026 at 10:49 PM
Surely I’m not the only old coot who always thinks of Gene Hackman when walking by here.
The night before De’Aaron Fox became the Spurs’ second All-Star, he became their competitive conscience.
It had been a long time coming.
Talked to him in SF about why he warned the Spurs not become the team every opponent wants in the playoffs.
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
It had been a long time coming.
Talked to him in SF about why he warned the Spurs not become the team every opponent wants in the playoffs.
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
Why De’Aaron Fox issued Spurs a challenge before becoming an All-Star
With the Spurs struggling against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, Fox challenged their mental toughness, then earned his second All-Star nod.
www.expressnews.com
February 12, 2026 at 10:37 PM
The night before De’Aaron Fox became the Spurs’ second All-Star, he became their competitive conscience.
It had been a long time coming.
Talked to him in SF about why he warned the Spurs not become the team every opponent wants in the playoffs.
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
It had been a long time coming.
Talked to him in SF about why he warned the Spurs not become the team every opponent wants in the playoffs.
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
Because, of course, filed this before my plane took off and then got text about Sochan’s release. Can’t say we didn’t see this coming.
27 players suited up for what turned into a Spurs rout in LA on Tuesday. Only one didn’t get into the game.
Caught up with Jeremy Sochan, who made it through the trade deadline but still might not be part of the Spurs’ future.
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
Caught up with Jeremy Sochan, who made it through the trade deadline but still might not be part of the Spurs’ future.
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
At end of the bench, does Jeremy Sochan have future with Spurs?
Between the two teams combined, 27 players suited up for a game the Spurs led by as many as 41 points. The only man in uniform who didn’t play a single minute was Sochan.
www.expressnews.com
February 11, 2026 at 9:44 PM
Because, of course, filed this before my plane took off and then got text about Sochan’s release. Can’t say we didn’t see this coming.
27 players suited up for what turned into a Spurs rout in LA on Tuesday. Only one didn’t get into the game.
Caught up with Jeremy Sochan, who made it through the trade deadline but still might not be part of the Spurs’ future.
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
Caught up with Jeremy Sochan, who made it through the trade deadline but still might not be part of the Spurs’ future.
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
At end of the bench, does Jeremy Sochan have future with Spurs?
Between the two teams combined, 27 players suited up for a game the Spurs led by as many as 41 points. The only man in uniform who didn’t play a single minute was Sochan.
www.expressnews.com
February 11, 2026 at 9:02 PM
27 players suited up for what turned into a Spurs rout in LA on Tuesday. Only one didn’t get into the game.
Caught up with Jeremy Sochan, who made it through the trade deadline but still might not be part of the Spurs’ future.
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
Caught up with Jeremy Sochan, who made it through the trade deadline but still might not be part of the Spurs’ future.
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
Reposted by Mike Finger
Like 75% of the US Olympic curlers are from Minnesota. A lot of them curl out of two clubs in Saint Paul, one club is in Frogtown, a neighborhood that has been very heavily targeted by ICE. These curlers are good neighbors.
US Olympic Curling Team member speaks out against ICE:
"I'm proud to represent Team USA. But we'd be remiss if we didn't mention what's going on in Minnesota and what a tough time it's been. What's happening is wrong. There's no shades of gray."
"I'm proud to represent Team USA. But we'd be remiss if we didn't mention what's going on in Minnesota and what a tough time it's been. What's happening is wrong. There's no shades of gray."
February 10, 2026 at 10:03 PM
Like 75% of the US Olympic curlers are from Minnesota. A lot of them curl out of two clubs in Saint Paul, one club is in Frogtown, a neighborhood that has been very heavily targeted by ICE. These curlers are good neighbors.
As Art Briles’ minions used to say, truth don’t lie.
Another Ken Starr Epstein email, in which they appear to discuss Starr's interviews to become President of Baylor. Epstein says "I wish you luck...I am forever in your corner." Starr says "decision likely in...February."
Starr was announced as Baylor President on Feb. 15, 2010.
Starr was announced as Baylor President on Feb. 15, 2010.
February 10, 2026 at 8:05 PM
As Art Briles’ minions used to say, truth don’t lie.
New Carter Bryant hairstyle just dropped.
February 10, 2026 at 7:20 PM
New Carter Bryant hairstyle just dropped.
Reposted by Mike Finger
6/ “When I arrived every night I cried and now I don’t sleep well, I felt that being here was my fault and I only wanted to be on vacation like a normal family.”
9-year-old Maria Antonia Guerra Montoya, detained on her way to Disney World, spent 113+ days at Dilley.
9-year-old Maria Antonia Guerra Montoya, detained on her way to Disney World, spent 113+ days at Dilley.
![Page 2 of a child’s handwritten letter, written in pencil in Spanish. Translation: “They don’t give me my diet I am vegetarian, I don’t eat well, there is no good education and I miss my best friend julieta and my grandmother and my school I already want to get to my house. Me in dilei [Dilley] am not happy please get me out of here to colombia.” Below the text is a drawing of the girl and her mother in the government-issued gray sweatsuits of the detention center.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:k4jt6heuiamymgi46yeuxtpt/bafkreihpnudavq27nzelfb2kd3fjjthco7haqmhvx4zryksfbfruoxkm74@jpeg)
February 9, 2026 at 12:38 PM
6/ “When I arrived every night I cried and now I don’t sleep well, I felt that being here was my fault and I only wanted to be on vacation like a normal family.”
9-year-old Maria Antonia Guerra Montoya, detained on her way to Disney World, spent 113+ days at Dilley.
9-year-old Maria Antonia Guerra Montoya, detained on her way to Disney World, spent 113+ days at Dilley.
Reposted by Mike Finger
Last summer, Mitch Johnson made a teary-eyed promise on behalf of his organization to a flood-ravaged community.
Saturday, surrounded by kids who’d seen the unimaginable, Johnson reminded them he and the Spurs still are serious about keeping it.
Gift link:
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
Saturday, surrounded by kids who’d seen the unimaginable, Johnson reminded them he and the Spurs still are serious about keeping it.
Gift link:
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
February 8, 2026 at 9:22 PM
Last summer, Mitch Johnson made a teary-eyed promise on behalf of his organization to a flood-ravaged community.
Saturday, surrounded by kids who’d seen the unimaginable, Johnson reminded them he and the Spurs still are serious about keeping it.
Gift link:
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
Saturday, surrounded by kids who’d seen the unimaginable, Johnson reminded them he and the Spurs still are serious about keeping it.
Gift link:
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
Looks bleak for the Patriots on NBC, but the Turning Point USA stream has them ahead by a field goal.
February 9, 2026 at 2:35 AM
Looks bleak for the Patriots on NBC, but the Turning Point USA stream has them ahead by a field goal.
Potatoes aren’t very interesting. But potatoes don’t claim they can think for me, or make art for me. Potatoes don’t cater to talentless dullards resentful of anyone who creates something people like. And when potatoes use water we can at least eat them.
More Super Bowl ads about potatoes, please.
More Super Bowl ads about potatoes, please.
Some context from that Lays ad.
People are very stupid and don’t realize that potato chips are literally made out of potatoes.
That’s why they were parading around a potato in that ad like it’s the fucking Rosetta Stone.
People are very stupid and don’t realize that potato chips are literally made out of potatoes.
That’s why they were parading around a potato in that ad like it’s the fucking Rosetta Stone.
Lay’s revamps to make clear that chips are made from potatoes | Capital Press
Lay's will revamp its brand after 42% of consumers didn't know their potato chips come from potatoes.
capitalpress.com
February 9, 2026 at 12:28 AM
Potatoes aren’t very interesting. But potatoes don’t claim they can think for me, or make art for me. Potatoes don’t cater to talentless dullards resentful of anyone who creates something people like. And when potatoes use water we can at least eat them.
More Super Bowl ads about potatoes, please.
More Super Bowl ads about potatoes, please.
Last summer, Mitch Johnson made a teary-eyed promise on behalf of his organization to a flood-ravaged community.
Saturday, surrounded by kids who’d seen the unimaginable, Johnson reminded them he and the Spurs still are serious about keeping it.
Gift link:
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
Saturday, surrounded by kids who’d seen the unimaginable, Johnson reminded them he and the Spurs still are serious about keeping it.
Gift link:
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
February 8, 2026 at 9:22 PM
Last summer, Mitch Johnson made a teary-eyed promise on behalf of his organization to a flood-ravaged community.
Saturday, surrounded by kids who’d seen the unimaginable, Johnson reminded them he and the Spurs still are serious about keeping it.
Gift link:
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
Saturday, surrounded by kids who’d seen the unimaginable, Johnson reminded them he and the Spurs still are serious about keeping it.
Gift link:
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
Reposted by Mike Finger
Heading into tonight, the only player in Spurs history to record a 40-point triple double was David Robinson.
Now add Steph Castle's name to the list.
40 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists. Plus a block and three steals.
Now add Steph Castle's name to the list.
40 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists. Plus a block and three steals.
February 8, 2026 at 1:27 AM
Heading into tonight, the only player in Spurs history to record a 40-point triple double was David Robinson.
Now add Steph Castle's name to the list.
40 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists. Plus a block and three steals.
Now add Steph Castle's name to the list.
40 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists. Plus a block and three steals.
Reposted by Mike Finger
Fifty-three years after he worked as a ball boy at the #Spurs’ 1st game in San Antonio as an ABA franchise, John Drossos was in attendance at NBA Game No. 4,000 for the team last week in Dallas.
On the son of the late team patriarch’s “amazing” journey:
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
On the son of the late team patriarch’s “amazing” journey:
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
Spurs' 4,000th NBA game as special to John Drossos as first one in ABA
The son of former team owner Angelo Drossos attended the Spurs' 4,000th NBA game decades after serving as a ball boy in the team's first ABA outing in 1973.
www.expressnews.com
February 7, 2026 at 9:20 PM
Fifty-three years after he worked as a ball boy at the #Spurs’ 1st game in San Antonio as an ABA franchise, John Drossos was in attendance at NBA Game No. 4,000 for the team last week in Dallas.
On the son of the late team patriarch’s “amazing” journey:
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
On the son of the late team patriarch’s “amazing” journey:
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
Catching up on some email.
February 7, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Catching up on some email.
The final torchbearer has to be Marco Belinelli, right?
February 6, 2026 at 10:18 PM
The final torchbearer has to be Marco Belinelli, right?
Maybe they were just recommending the Gabagooooooooooooooool.
Vice President JD Vance gets roundly booed at the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympics. "Those are a lot of boos for him, whistling jeering," says the presenter. US athletes receive a warm welcome from fans, though.
February 6, 2026 at 10:10 PM
Maybe they were just recommending the Gabagooooooooooooooool.
Saw @pablo.show asking for help this week getting the rights to an REK song, so I knew it was coming, but man did the context exceed all expectations.
Have heard it a million times and never will hear it the same way again.
Have heard it a million times and never will hear it the same way again.
"I'm innocent. I can prove it."
Charles Flores, a wrongfully convicted football fan, is running out of time. I visited him in Texas for the one hour of the day when he's not in solitary confinement, to talk about life on death row — a decade after the real killer went free: youtu.be/0-GnKLFY_Gc?...
Charles Flores, a wrongfully convicted football fan, is running out of time. I visited him in Texas for the one hour of the day when he's not in solitary confinement, to talk about life on death row — a decade after the real killer went free: youtu.be/0-GnKLFY_Gc?...
Watching Football on Death Row — with a Wrongfully Convicted Man | PTFO
YouTube video by PABLO TORRE FINDS OUT
youtu.be
February 5, 2026 at 11:56 PM
Saw @pablo.show asking for help this week getting the rights to an REK song, so I knew it was coming, but man did the context exceed all expectations.
Have heard it a million times and never will hear it the same way again.
Have heard it a million times and never will hear it the same way again.
What this Shams tweet makes me imagine the Sixers are doing to Dom Barlow:
February 5, 2026 at 7:06 PM
What this Shams tweet makes me imagine the Sixers are doing to Dom Barlow:
Reposted by Mike Finger
Two-way guard David Jones Garcia will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing successful surgery on his right ankle, Spurs announce.
February 4, 2026 at 9:42 PM
Two-way guard David Jones Garcia will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing successful surgery on his right ankle, Spurs announce.
Reposted by Mike Finger
the “first-round picks” dallas is getting in the AD deal:
-okc’s pick this year. so, #30
-the warriors’ pick in 2030, protected 1-20. it immediately converts to the warriors’ second-round pick that same year if it lands in the top 20
-okc’s pick this year. so, #30
-the warriors’ pick in 2030, protected 1-20. it immediately converts to the warriors’ second-round pick that same year if it lands in the top 20
February 4, 2026 at 6:55 PM
the “first-round picks” dallas is getting in the AD deal:
-okc’s pick this year. so, #30
-the warriors’ pick in 2030, protected 1-20. it immediately converts to the warriors’ second-round pick that same year if it lands in the top 20
-okc’s pick this year. so, #30
-the warriors’ pick in 2030, protected 1-20. it immediately converts to the warriors’ second-round pick that same year if it lands in the top 20
Reposted by Mike Finger
Anxious to read about the cultural and societal implications of this deal for the Wizards
BREAKING: The Dallas Mavericks are trading Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards, The Athletic confirms.
February 4, 2026 at 6:54 PM
Anxious to read about the cultural and societal implications of this deal for the Wizards