{"id":999789,"date":"2026-08-14T07:13:29","date_gmt":"2026-08-14T07:13:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/999789\/"},"modified":"2026-08-14T07:13:29","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T07:13:29","slug":"don-nelsons-celebration-of-life-encapsulated-larger-than-life-persona","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/999789\/","title":{"rendered":"Don Nelson&#8217;s Celebration of Life encapsulated larger-than-life persona"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img alt=\"Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson kicks a basketball during a Celebration of Life for his father at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas. Former Mavericks assistant coach Del Harris, sitting, and NBA retired head coach Gregg Popovich, behind second from right, look on.\" loading=\"eager\" fetchpriority=\"high\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson kicks a basketball during a Celebration of Life for his father at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas. Former Mavericks assistant coach Del Harris, sitting, and NBA retired head coach Gregg Popovich, behind second from right, look on.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n<p>It was poignant. Imaginative. Amusing. And though understandably tinged with moments of sadness, entertaining.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-channels-pixel.ex.co\/events\/0012000001fxZm9AAE?integrationType=DEFAULT&amp;template=design%2Farticle%2Fplatypus_two_column.tpl\" alt=\"\" class=\"x1px y1px vh abs\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\"\/><\/p>\n<p>In other words, Thursday\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/mavericks\/article\/watch-celebration-life-don-nelson-former-22386936.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">161-minute celebration of the life and times of the incomparable Don Nelson<\/a> perfectly encapsulated his 86 years on Earth and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/mavericks\/article\/how-don-nelson-sparked-mavericks-turnaround-22383190.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">lasting imprint on basketball<\/a> and those gathered in Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s daughter Katie Nagel and son Donnie Nelson walk by their father\u2019s portrait during a Celebration of Life for Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"eager\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s daughter Katie Nagel and son Donnie Nelson walk by their father\u2019s portrait during a Celebration of Life for Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former Dallas Mavericks head coach and former Boston Celtics player Don Nelson\u2019s jersey is displayed during a Celebration of Life for Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Dallas Mavericks head coach and former Boston Celtics player Don Nelson\u2019s jersey is displayed during a Celebration of Life for Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former Mavericks player Devin Harris arrives to attend a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Mavericks player Devin Harris arrives to attend a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former Mavericks player Josh Howard, left, arrives to attend a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Mavericks player Josh Howard, left, arrives to attend a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s wife Joy Nelson arrives with her sons, Scott Wolfgram, left, and Bryan Wolfgram, behind, to attend a Celebration of Life for her husband at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s wife Joy Nelson arrives with her sons, Scott Wolfgram, left, and Bryan Wolfgram, behind, to attend a Celebration of Life for her husband at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"NBA retired head coach Gregg Popovich, left, speaks during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson as  Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson, center, and former Mavericks assistant coach Del Harris, look on at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>NBA retired head coach Gregg Popovich, left, speaks during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson as  Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson, center, and former Mavericks assistant coach Del Harris, look on at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"NBA retired head coach Gregg Popovich, left, speaks during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson as  Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson, center, and former Mavericks assistant coach Del Harris, sitting, look on at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>NBA retired head coach Gregg Popovich, left, speaks during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson as  Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson, center, and former Mavericks assistant coach Del Harris, sitting, look on at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s daughter Katie Nagel wipes her tears as her brother Donnie Nelson stands by her during a Celebration of Life for her father at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s daughter Katie Nagel wipes her tears as her brother Donnie Nelson stands by her during a Celebration of Life for her father at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s daughter Katie Nagel and son Donnie Nelson hug former Mavericks assistant coach Del Harris during a Celebration of Life for Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s daughter Katie Nagel and son Donnie Nelson hug former Mavericks assistant coach Del Harris during a Celebration of Life for Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"People attend a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>People attend a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Bagpiper Matt Willis performs during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Bagpiper Matt Willis performs during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle, left, hugs former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson after speaking during a Celebration of Life for Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle, left, hugs former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson after speaking during a Celebration of Life for Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former NBA player Sidney Moncrief, right, speaks during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson as former NBA player and coach Paul Pressey listens at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former NBA player Sidney Moncrief, right, speaks during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson as former NBA player and coach Paul Pressey listens at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former NBA player Sidney Moncrief, center speaks to Mike Dunleavy, former NBA player and coach, left, as NBA player and coach Paul Pressey, behind and former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson, right, look on during a Celebration of Life for Nelson  at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former NBA player Sidney Moncrief, center speaks to Mike Dunleavy, former NBA player and coach, left, as NBA player and coach Paul Pressey, behind and former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson, right, look on during a Celebration of Life for Nelson  at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former NBA player Mitch Richmond, left, speaks during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson with former NBA players Chris Mullin, center, and Tim Hardaway right, at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former NBA player Mitch Richmond, left, speaks during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson with former NBA players Chris Mullin, center, and Tim Hardaway right, at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former Dallas Mavericks players Michael Finley, left, and Steve Nash listen as former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson speaks during a Celebration of Life for Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Dallas Mavericks players Michael Finley, left, and Steve Nash listen as former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson speaks during a Celebration of Life for Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Singer Leon Bridges performs during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Singer Leon Bridges performs during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Owen Wilson appears in a video tribute during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Owen Wilson appears in a video tribute during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s son and daughter DJ Nelson, left, and Christie Armstrong talk with Singer Pat Green during a Celebration of Life for Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s son and daughter DJ Nelson, left, and Christie Armstrong talk with Singer Pat Green during a Celebration of Life for Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Singer Pat Green performs during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Singer Pat Green performs during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s wife Joy Nelson speaks during a Celebration of Life for her husband with Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s wife Joy Nelson speaks during a Celebration of Life for her husband with Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson, center, speaks with his family during a Celebration of Life for Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson, center, speaks with his family during a Celebration of Life for Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s wife Joy Nelson receives a hug after a Celebration of Life for her husband at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s wife Joy Nelson receives a hug after a Celebration of Life for her husband at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s wife Joy Nelson talks with a guest after a Celebration of Life for her husband at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s wife Joy Nelson talks with a guest after a Celebration of Life for her husband at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former Dallas Mavericks head coach and former Boston Celtics player Don Nelson\u2019s jersey is displayed during a Celebration of Life for Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Dallas Mavericks head coach and former Boston Celtics player Don Nelson\u2019s jersey is displayed during a Celebration of Life for Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former Mavericks player Devin Harris arrives to attend a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Mavericks player Devin Harris arrives to attend a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former Mavericks player Josh Howard, left, arrives to attend a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Mavericks player Josh Howard, left, arrives to attend a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s wife Joy Nelson arrives with her sons, Scott Wolfgram, left, and Bryan Wolfgram, behind, to attend a Celebration of Life for her husband at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s wife Joy Nelson arrives with her sons, Scott Wolfgram, left, and Bryan Wolfgram, behind, to attend a Celebration of Life for her husband at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"NBA retired head coach Gregg Popovich, left, speaks during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson as  Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson, center, and former Mavericks assistant coach Del Harris, look on at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>NBA retired head coach Gregg Popovich, left, speaks during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson as  Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson, center, and former Mavericks assistant coach Del Harris, look on at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"NBA retired head coach Gregg Popovich, left, speaks during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson as  Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson, center, and former Mavericks assistant coach Del Harris, sitting, look on at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>NBA retired head coach Gregg Popovich, left, speaks during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson as  Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson, center, and former Mavericks assistant coach Del Harris, sitting, look on at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s daughter Katie Nagel wipes her tears as her brother Donnie Nelson stands by her during a Celebration of Life for her father at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s daughter Katie Nagel wipes her tears as her brother Donnie Nelson stands by her during a Celebration of Life for her father at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s daughter Katie Nagel and son Donnie Nelson hug former Mavericks assistant coach Del Harris during a Celebration of Life for Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s daughter Katie Nagel and son Donnie Nelson hug former Mavericks assistant coach Del Harris during a Celebration of Life for Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"People attend a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>People attend a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Bagpiper Matt Willis performs during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Bagpiper Matt Willis performs during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle, left, hugs former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson after speaking during a Celebration of Life for Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle, left, hugs former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson after speaking during a Celebration of Life for Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former NBA player Sidney Moncrief, right, speaks during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson as former NBA player and coach Paul Pressey listens at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former NBA player Sidney Moncrief, right, speaks during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson as former NBA player and coach Paul Pressey listens at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former NBA player Sidney Moncrief, center speaks to Mike Dunleavy, former NBA player and coach, left, as NBA player and coach Paul Pressey, behind and former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson, right, look on during a Celebration of Life for Nelson  at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former NBA player Sidney Moncrief, center speaks to Mike Dunleavy, former NBA player and coach, left, as NBA player and coach Paul Pressey, behind and former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson, right, look on during a Celebration of Life for Nelson  at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former NBA player Mitch Richmond, left, speaks during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson with former NBA players Chris Mullin, center, and Tim Hardaway right, at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former NBA player Mitch Richmond, left, speaks during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson with former NBA players Chris Mullin, center, and Tim Hardaway right, at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former Dallas Mavericks players Michael Finley, left, and Steve Nash listen as former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson speaks during a Celebration of Life for Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Dallas Mavericks players Michael Finley, left, and Steve Nash listen as former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson speaks during a Celebration of Life for Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Singer Leon Bridges performs during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Singer Leon Bridges performs during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Owen Wilson appears in a video tribute during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Owen Wilson appears in a video tribute during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s son and daughter DJ Nelson, left, and Christie Armstrong talk with Singer Pat Green during a Celebration of Life for Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s son and daughter DJ Nelson, left, and Christie Armstrong talk with Singer Pat Green during a Celebration of Life for Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Singer Pat Green performs during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Singer Pat Green performs during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s wife Joy Nelson speaks during a Celebration of Life for her husband with Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s wife Joy Nelson speaks during a Celebration of Life for her husband with Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson, center, speaks with his family during a Celebration of Life for Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson, center, speaks with his family during a Celebration of Life for Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s wife Joy Nelson receives a hug after a Celebration of Life for her husband at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s wife Joy Nelson receives a hug after a Celebration of Life for her husband at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n<p>How do you honor and say goodbye to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/mavericks\/article\/don-nelson-death-nba-things-to-know-mavericks-dirk-22381235.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">6-6 larger-than-life NBA legend<\/a> with a somehow even larger persona? You do so by having, in person, Leon Bridges perform \u201cThe River\u201d and Pat Green croon \u201cWave on Wave.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>And by playing a video message from Dallas native and Nelson\u2019s Maui gambling amigo Owen Wilson. And with a Hoops Who\u2019s Who gathered in the sanctuary and taking eulogy turns. Gregg Popovich, 77, perhaps best succinctly summed his mentor Nelson.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHis heart is bigger than the moon and softer than marshmallows.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Nelson,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/mavericks\/article\/former-mavericks-head-coach-don-nelson-dies-at-86-22380278.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">who died Sunday in Frisco<\/a>, about three weeks after suffering a stroke, won five NBA championships as a Boston Celtics forward and coached four franchises, including Dallas, to 1,335 wins, second-most in history to Spurs coach Popovich\u2019s 1,390.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Popovich was a San Antonio assistant under Larry Brown from 1988-92. When Brown was fired, Popovich was at a career crossroad until Nelson made him his top Golden State assistant from 1992-94.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s obviously sad for everyone that it has to be an event like this for a way to get together,\u201d Popovich, whose coaching career ended with a November 2024 stroke, said Thursday, gazing around the sanctuary. \u201cBut it\u2019s emblematic of what Nellie did for almost all of us. He had some effect on all of us in this church.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Nelson certainly had a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/mavericks\/article\/how-don-nelson-sparked-mavericks-turnaround-22383190.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">transformative effect<\/a> on the Mavericks franchise, initially arriving on Feb. 7, 1997, as their general manager. When he took the franchise\u2019s head coach reins the following year, the team\u2019s record during the 1990s was 164-426 (.359).\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Nelson\u2019s 339 coaching wins in Dallas are second-most in franchise history to the 555 of 2011 NBA title-winning coach Rick Carlisle, who also eulogized Nelson on Thursday.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTerms like \u2018small ball, stretch-big, point-forward, positionless, cross-matching\u2019 are all common terms today,\u201d Carlisle said. \u201cNellie invented this stuff.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd it wasn\u2019t until a few years ago when everyone else figured out this is the way the game should go. He was decades ahead of them. And in the history of human innovation, oftentimes the savant thinkers come up with something very simple and take it to levels none of us could have dreamed.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle speaks during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle speaks during a Celebration of Life for former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n<p>Fittingly, Donnie Nelson in effect served as Thursday\u2019s master of ceremony, promising near the outset: \u201cThis will absolutely be the most creative funeral service-slash-celebration you\u2019ve ever seen in your life. And that\u2019s the way Nellie would have wanted it.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>At that moment, Donnie stood on the chancel, with Popovich, Don\u2019s former assistant Del Harris\u00a0\u2014 and pet dog Rosie, because, after all, Don was known to take his dog with him everywhere.<\/p>\n<p>Throughout the service, there was a basketball present, either on a stand or in the hands of the famous eulogists.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>They included Sidney Moncrief and Paul Pressey, representing Nelson\u2019s Milwaukee coaching days. And his Golden State TMC trio of Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond and Chris Mullin.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>And from Don\u2019s Dallas era (1997-2005), former guard Steve Nash and forward Michael Finley spoke\u00a0\u2014 and Nash read a letter <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/mavericks\/article\/don-nelson-dies-reaction-luka-doncic-dirk-nowitzki-22380900.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">from fellow Mavericks great Dirk Nowitzki<\/a>, who needed to remain in Europe to welcome his parents from Germany to his home in Sweden for the first time.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd I know Nellie would understand because he had such a connection with my family and Holger [Geschwindner], my coach,\u201d Nowitzki wrote. \u201cI think Nellie loved my dad more than he loved me.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen he came into a room, everything lit up,\u201d Nowitzki added of Nelson. \u201cHe was funny. He was loud. He was joking. He was truly one of a kind and he was the ultimate players\u2019 coach.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Soon after arriving in Dallas in 1997, Nelson asked then-majority owner Ross Perot Jr. if he could bring in Donnie as one of his assistants. Perot recalls saying, \u201cWell, Don, I kind of like father-son teams. I know a little about father-son teams.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>It was Don and Donnie who were most responsible for the June 24, 1998, NBA draft night coups of acquiring No. 9 pick Nowitzki and another future Hall of Famer, Nash.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>But it was a nerve-wracking night. Don fibbed to other teams that 19-year-old Nowitzki would have to serve a stint in the German Army in four years. He gambled and traded back from the sixth pick to the ninth to get Nowitzki.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Acquiring Nash from Phoenix, where Donnie had been an assistant and worked closely with him, came a few minutes later.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNellie was the most nervous I think he\u2019s ever been in at any point in his NBA career,\u201d then-team president Frank Zaccanelli recalls. \u201cHe was inhaling cigars.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Nash, Finley and Nowitzki on Thursday credited Don for seeing something in them other coaches had not.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThank you, Coach, for believing in me,\u201d Finley said. \u201cThank you, Coach, for trusting me. And thank you for always having our back. So rest easy, Nellie, and like I always told you, \u2018I love you, man.\u2019\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s wife Joy Nelson speaks during a Celebration of Life for Nelson with her family at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s wife Joy Nelson speaks during a Celebration of Life for Nelson with her family at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n<p>Nash gazed down at the Nelson family, which filled the first two rows, including his wife, Joy, his five grown children and his grandkids.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThank you for sharing him with all of us,\u201d Nash said. \u201cAnd especially thank you for sharing him with me. Because you shared him with me, I was blessed to have a coach, a mentor and a man in my life who helped change its direction. I will never forget that.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Through the years, Don and Donnie Nelson would each have legal battles with the majority owner who in 2000 succeeded Perot: Mark Cuban.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Cuban wasn\u2019t in Preston Hollow Presbyterian during the pre-service reception, but he arrived in the sanctuary as service began. Donnie Nelson noticed and made a point of mentioning Cuban during the remarkable celebration of his remarkable father\u2019s life \u2014 and, perhaps, offered forgiveness. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMark, thanks for coming,\u201d Donnie said. \u201cI mean that from the bottom of my heart.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson\u2019s son Donnie Nelson kicks a basketball during a Celebration of Life&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":999790,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[5135],"tags":[5229,1596,358,328838,349118,349120,3187,67,586,132,5230,68,2969],"class_list":["post-999789","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-dallas","tag-america","tag-dallas","tag-texas","tag-tp-dallas-mavericks","tag-tp-dirk-nowitzki","tag-tp-mark-cuban","tag-tx","tag-united-states","tag-united-states-of-america","tag-unitedstates","tag-unitedstatesofamerica","tag-us","tag-usa"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/117092629217974710","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/999789","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=999789"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/999789\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/999790"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=999789"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=999789"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=999789"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}