Mural of Spurs-themed vela unveiled in downtown San Antonio

• Benavides painted a 75-foot-tall vela with a Spurs jersey, a championship ring and 1973, which is the year the team moved to San Antonio.

What's happening: Benavides finished this week, ahead of the Dec. 1 deadline.

What they're saying: The art symbolizes the importance of the Spurs in San Antonio memories, Benavides said in a statement.

• He called it an "emotional gift to our city" on Instagram.

Between the lines: Velas, which hold a deep-rooted significance in Latino culture and play a central role in Catholicism for healing and protection, have been common motifs in Spurs culture this season.

• In September, a local group built a giant Victor Wembanyama vela out of canned goods for charity.
• A group of bars recently started selling a cocktail that's served in a Wembanyama-themed vela glass.