More than just the game for Kerr and Popovich

SAN ANTONIO — When Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and San Antonio head coach Gregg Popovich were out of their seats and arguing calls Saturday night, they were just paces apart.

Kerr played for Popovich from 1998-2001 and 2002-03, winning two championships with the Spurs.

“How to treat your players, how to build the culture of the team and what’s really important,” Kerr said.

The important parts are the relationships within the team, the pacing of the team, trying to give guys perspective and allowing them to be free while they play.

About six or seven years ago, Kerr asked if he could attend the Spurs’ training camp, but Popovich suggested instead that Kerr join the coaching staff on its annual retreat in Chicago.

Even though they coach the Western Conference’s top two teams, the relationship between Kerr and Popovich hasn’t changed.

[...] these games, and what happens with wins and losses, mean so much to us, but it’s still a game.

Rusty Simmons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.