SportsBatmanSan Antoniosan antonio spurs

San Antonio Spurs Mascot Saves Game By Capturing Bat With Net

Dressed in a Batman costume, the Spurs’ mascot, The Coyote, captured the bat with a net after numerous failed attempts, much to the delight of players.
AP

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — A bat descended on the court and delayed play after Victor Wembanyama made a 3-pointer two minutes into the San Antonio Spurs’ 113-112 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night.

Dressed in a Batman costume, the Spurs’ mascot, The Coyote, captured the bat with a net after numerous failed attempts, much to the delight of Wembanyama and Spurs teammate Jeremy Sochan.

The Coyote previously corralled two bats, while former Spurs star Manu Ginobili swatted another to the court with his bare hand in November 2009.

The Spurs scattered each time the bat buzzed the court, except for Sochan, whom Popovich had to pull back at one point. Others hid, like Keldon Johnson.

“I know my lane,” Johnson said. “Like, I’m borderline scared of the dark … so, the bat? That’s something like, nah that ain’t really up my alley. I was more scared.”

Wembanyama went on to score nine points over the next two minutes. The French rookie finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

to keep our news free for all.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go

Lunatic Mascots
Cincinnati v Harvard(01 of41)
Open Image Modal
SPOKANE, WA - MARCH 20: The Cincinnati Bearcats mascot cheers on his team during their game against the Harvard Crimson in the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena on March 20, 2014 in Spokane, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ohio State v Dayton(02 of41)
Open Image Modal
BUFFALO, NY - MARCH 20: The Ohio State Buckeyes mascot, Brutus Buckeye, performs during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Dayton Flyers at the First Niagara Center on March 20, 2014 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pittsburgh v Colorado(03 of41)
Open Image Modal
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 20: The Pittsburgh Panthers mascot poses before the Panthers take on the Colorado Buffaloes during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Amway Center on March 20, 2014 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brigham Young Cougars v Oregon Ducks(04 of41)
Open Image Modal
MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 20: Brigham Young Cougars mascot Cosmo the Cougar performs during the second round game of the NCAA Basketball Tournament against the Oregon Ducks at BMO Harris Bradley Center on March 20, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
American Eagles v Wisconsin Badgers(05 of41)
Open Image Modal
MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 20: The American University Eagles mascot, Clawed the Eagle, performs during the second round game of NCAA Basketball Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at BMO Harris Bradley Center on March 20, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ohio State v Dayton(06 of41)
Open Image Modal
BUFFALO, NY - MARCH 20: The Dayton Flyers mascot, Rudy Flyer, performs during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Ohio State Buckeyes at the First Niagara Center on March 20, 2014 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
American Eagles v Wisconsin Badgers(07 of41)
Open Image Modal
MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 20: The Wisconsin Badgers mascot, Bucky Badger, performs during the second round game of NCAA Basketball Tournament against the American University Eagles at BMO Harris Bradley Center on March 20, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Albany v Florida(08 of41)
Open Image Modal
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 20: The Florida Gators mascot holds a pack of Milk-Bone dog treats for the Albany Great Danes mascot during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Amway Center on March 20, 2014 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
UConn v Saint Joseph's(09 of41)
Open Image Modal
BUFFALO, NY - MARCH 20: The Saint Joseph's Hawks mascot perofrms during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Connecticut Huskies at the First Niagara Center on March 20, 2014 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Michigan State v Delaware(10 of41)
Open Image Modal
SPOKANE, WA - MARCH 20: The Michigan State Spartans mascot cheers on his team during their game against the Delaware Fightin Blue Hens in the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena on March 20, 2014 in Spokane, Washington. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brigham Young Cougars v Oregon Ducks(11 of41)
Open Image Modal
MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 20: The Oregon Ducks mascot performs during the second round game of NCAA Basketball Tournament against the Brigham Young Cougars at BMO Harris Bradley Center on March 20, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Wofford v Michigan(12 of41)
Open Image Modal
MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 20: The Wofford Terriers mascot looks on against the Michigan Wolverines during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at BMO Harris Bradley Center on March 20, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Iowa v Tennessee(13 of41)
Open Image Modal
DAYTON, OH - MARCH 19: The Iowa Hawkeyes mascot, Herky, performs during the first round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Tennessee Volunteers at UD Arena on March 19, 2014 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
San Diego State v New Mexico State(14 of41)
Open Image Modal
SPOKANE, WA - MARCH 20: San Diego State Aztecs mascot Aztec Warrior performs during the game against the New Mexico State Aggies in the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena on March 20, 2014 in Spokane, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
San Diego State v New Mexico State(15 of41)
Open Image Modal
SPOKANE, WA - MARCH 20: The New Mexico State Aggies mascot performs during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the San Diego State Aztecs at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena on March 20, 2014 in Spokane, Washington. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Arizona State v Texas(16 of41)
Open Image Modal
MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 20: Texas Longhorns mascot Bevo looks on in the second half against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at BMO Harris Bradley Center on March 20, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
NC State v Saint Louis(17 of41)
Open Image Modal
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 20: North Carolina State Wolfpack mascot cheers against the Saint Louis Billikens during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Amway Center on March 20, 2014 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Arizona State v Texas(18 of41)
Open Image Modal
MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 20: Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky looks on in the second half against the Texas Longhorns during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at BMO Harris Bradley Center on March 20, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
NC State v Saint Louis(19 of41)
Open Image Modal
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 20: Saint Louis Billikens mascot cheers against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Amway Center on March 20, 2014 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
North Dakota State v Oklahoma(20 of41)
Open Image Modal
SPOKANE, WA - MARCH 20: The North Dakota State Bison mascot, Thundar performs during haltime in the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena on March 20, 2014 in Spokane, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
UConn v Saint Joseph's(21 of41)
Open Image Modal
BUFFALO, NY - MARCH 20: DeAndre Daniels #2 celebrates with Shabazz Napier #13 of the Connecticut Huskies after defeating the Saint Joseph's Hawks 89-81 in the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the First Niagara Center on March 20, 2014 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Coastal Carolina v Virginia(22 of41)
Open Image Modal
RALEIGH, NC - MARCH 21: The Virginia Cavaliers mascot, CavMan, performs in their game against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers during the Second Round of the 2014 NCAA Basketball Tournament at PNC Arena on March 21, 2014 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Coastal Carolina v Virginia(23 of41)
Open Image Modal
RALEIGH, NC - MARCH 21: The Virginia Cavaliers mascot, CavMan, performs in their game against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers during the Second Round of the 2014 NCAA Basketball Tournament at PNC Arena on March 21, 2014 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Coastal Carolina v Virginia(24 of41)
Open Image Modal
RALEIGH, NC - MARCH 21: The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers mascot performs in the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers during the Second Round of the 2014 NCAA Basketball Tournament at PNC Arena on March 21, 2014 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
North Carolina Central v Iowa State(25 of41)
Open Image Modal
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 21: The Iowa State Cyclones mascot performs during a timeout of the Cyclones and North Carolina Central Eagles game during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at AT&T Center on March 21, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Kentucky v Kansas State(26 of41)
Open Image Modal
ST LOUIS, MO - MARCH 21: The Kentucky Wildcats mascot performs during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Kansas State Wildcats at the Scottrade Center on March 21, 2014 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Wichita State v Cal Poly(27 of41)
Open Image Modal
ST LOUIS, MO - MARCH 21: The Wichita State Shockers mascot, WuShock, performs during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Cal Poly Mustangs at the Scottrade Center on March 21, 2014 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Providence v North Carolina(28 of41)
Open Image Modal
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 21: The North Carolina Tar Heels mascot performs during a timeout of the Tar Heels and Providence Friars game during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at AT&T Center on March 21, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Providence v North Carolina(29 of41)
Open Image Modal
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 21: The Providence Friars mascot is shown during a timeout of the Friars game against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at AT&T Center on March 21, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Providence v North Carolina(30 of41)
Open Image Modal
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 21: The Providence Friars mascot performs during a first half timeout against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at AT&T Center on March 21, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
George Washington v Memphis(31 of41)
Open Image Modal
RALEIGH, NC - MARCH 21: Memphis Tigers mascot, Pouncer, performs in the first half against the George Washington Colonials during the Second Round of the 2014 NCAA Basketball Tournament at PNC Arena on March 21, 2014 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Providence v North Carolina(32 of41)
Open Image Modal
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 21: The Providence Friars mascot is shown during a timeout of the Friars game against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at AT&T Center on March 21, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
George Washington v Memphis(33 of41)
Open Image Modal
RALEIGH, NC - MARCH 21: George Washington Colonials mascot, George, performs in the first half against the Memphis Tigers during the Second Round of the 2014 NCAA Basketball Tournament at PNC Arena on March 21, 2014 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Lousiana-Lafayette v Creighton(34 of41)
Open Image Modal
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 21: The Creighton Bluejays mascot stands on the court in the second half against the Louisiana Lafayette Ragin Cajuns during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at AT&T Center on March 21, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Lousiana-Lafayette v Creighton(35 of41)
Open Image Modal
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 21: The Creighton Bluejays mascot stands on the court in the second half against the Louisiana Lafayette Ragin Cajuns during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at AT&T Center on March 21, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Stanford v New Mexico(36 of41)
Open Image Modal
ST LOUIS, MO - MARCH 21: New Mexico Lobos mascot cheers against the Stanford Cardinal during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 21, 2014 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Arizona v Weber State(37 of41)
Open Image Modal
SAN DIEGO, CA - MARCH 21: The Weber State Wildcats mascot cheers on his team during their game against the Arizona Wildcats in the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 21, 2014 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Stanford v New Mexico(38 of41)
Open Image Modal
ST LOUIS, MO - MARCH 21: New Mexico Lobos mascot cheers against the Stanford Cardinal during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 21, 2014 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Nebraska v Baylor(39 of41)
Open Image Modal
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 21: The Baylor Bears mascot walks on tour court in a stoppage in the first half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at AT&T Center on March 21, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Nebraska v Baylor(40 of41)
Open Image Modal
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 21: The Nebraska Cornhuskers mascot walks on the court in a stoppage in the first half against the Baylor Bears during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at AT&T Center on March 21, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
North Carolina Central v Iowa State(41 of41)
Open Image Modal
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 21: The Iowa State Cyclones mascot performs during a timeout of the Cyclones and North Carolina Central Eagles game during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at AT&T Center on March 21, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip