Kobe, Popovich hug it out at center court

The game wasn't close, but that didn't matter for two of the greatest competitors of this generation.

Gregg Popovich, the preeminent coach of the last 20 years, faced off against Kobe Bryant, arguably the best player of his era.

Following the game, the coach and player embraced at center court, showing their mutual respect for each other.

Early this year, when asked about his favorite Bryant moments, Popovich joked, "All my Kobe memories are when he beat us. They're not very fun. That's the truth."

Bryant finished the game with 12 points on 5-of-12 shooting to go along with six rebounds and four assists.

Bryant will play his final game in San Antonio on Feb. 6, when he can expect an even bigger farewell than the one he received Friday.