Spurs Popovich to coach West All-Stars

NEW YORK (AP) - San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich will coach the Western Conference All-Stars for the third time in his career.

Popovich earned the spot after San Antonio beat Charlotte 102-78 on Wednesday, ensuring the Spurs (37-11, .771) will have the best record in the West through games played Sunday.

The Oklahoma City Thunder's Scott Brooks was not eligible to coach in this year's midseason classic by virtue of having coached the West team in last year's game.

Popovich, in his 17th season as San Antonio's head coach, has led the Spurs to four NBA championships. He coached the West All-Stars in 2005 and 2011.

The All-Star Game will be played at the Toyota Center in Houston on Feb. 17.