The Spurs legend will join Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett, among others in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday, May 15th, 2021. He is often recognized as the greatest Power Forward to ever play the game, but he is more than that. He was the best player of the post-Jordan era and one of the top 10 players in NBA history. One could argue he had the perfect career. Entering the NBA, all he did was win. His .710 win percentage is best in NBA history and there was never a season his team did not make the playoffs. In fact, his team won 50 games in every season he played, the lone exception being in 1999 when the Spurs were tied for an NBA-best 37-13, the year where he captured his first championship. His accolades could be talked about for days, but his biggest attribute could be his ability as a selfless teammate. Throughout his two decades as a Spur, he grew and molded several teammates into contributors, all while being humble enough to withstand the ass chewing by coach Greg Popovich. The swimmer-turned-basketball player did not need super teams, nor did he recruit the top stars in their prime to join the Spurs, he was the super team. Along with fellow Big 3 members Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, San Antonio organically stayed relevant and in title contention throughout his career. In his final season, while he was no longer the go-to guy, his leadership and selflessness led San Antonio to a 67-15 record. A loss to the Thunder had Duncan walking off the court and in Tim Duncan-fashion, retiring without a press conference. Duncan had many years of excellence, and while some may overlook how truly dominant he was during his prime, he walked away from basketball with an unblemished resume.
- 5x NBA Champion
- 3x NBA Finals MVP
- 2x MVP
- 15x All-Star
- 15x All-NBA (10x First Team)
- 15x All-Defensive Team, most all-time (8x First Team)
- NBA Rookie of the Year
- NBA Teammate of the Year
- National College Player of the Year
- 2x First-Team All-American
- 2x ACC Player of the Year
- 3x NABC Defensive Player of the Year
When you look at Duncan’s career, you can’t look just at the numbers. It is about how he accomplished all he did, yet stayed the same person throughout his career. His character and perseverance drove him to become one of the greatest this game will ever see.
Salute to you, Mr. Duncan, and thank you for the wonderful memories you have given me, as well as other Spurs fans over the years. We wish you the best in your next chapter of life.
Without further ado, let’s take a look back at Tim Duncan’s 21 greatest moments throughout his 19 year career.
21. Game-Winner over Karl Malone
At 1:04 mark
When: January 24th, 2003
Stats: 29 points, 17 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 blocks, 1 steal, 9/20 FG
Final: SAS over Utah 91-90
It may have been just a regular season game on the surface, but this was symbolism at it’s finest. The reigning MVP Tim Duncan went head to head against an aging Karl Malone, who even at age 39, was still averaging 20 points a game in what would be his final season with the Utah Jazz. The Spurs were down one and a loss would put both teams at a tie atop the loaded Western Conference at 26-16. Timmy had other ideas. Stephen Jackson inbounded the ball with four seconds left to the Power Forward. A couple of dribbles and mid-range turnaround jumper stunned the crowd in Utah, leading to San Antonio’s 11th straight win versus the Jazz, a streak that would reach as high as 18. The NBA’s best player cemented his status against the top Power Forward of his era.
20. 1,000 win club
When: April 5th, 2016
Stats: 3 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 0/3 FG
Final: SAS over Utah 88-86
This moment doesn’t represent a highlight, but rather a milestone that may never be touched again. In an era where player movement became prominent, Duncan, like rivals Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki, spent his entire career with one franchise. The 15-time All-Star was not much of a factor throughout the game, but after a game-winning 18-footer by Kawhi Leonard with 4.7 seconds left, Duncan became the third player in NBA history to reach 1,000 regular season wins, but the first to accomplish this feat with one team. Since Duncan joined the Spurs in 1997, San Antonio became the winningest franchise across all American team sports with a 71% win percentage. Hard to imagine that kind of longevity happening again.
19. Timmy block on KD
When: November 1st, 2012
Stats: 20 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 blocks, 8/19 FG
Final: SAS over OKC 86-84
The Thunder-Spurs rivalry in the early 2010’s may not match up to the classics against the Lakers, Mavericks, and Suns, it was still a damn good one. The Thunder were the up-and-coming team that included three future NBA MVPs in Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, while San Antonio was the stingy veteran team looking to stay in contention with a young Kawhi Leonard entering his first year as a full-time starter. The era of the Klaw had yet to arrive, and this was still a team led by Timmy, Tony, and Manu fresh off a Western Conference Finals appearance against Oklahoma City nearly six months prior. Thought to be the two favorites representing the West, the Thunder and Spurs met in a midweek primetime matchup during opening week. The back and forth game started off with several wow moments, highlighted by a 36 year-old Duncan perfectly timed block on Kevin Durant on a fast break, a play all the more surprising considering Durant’s length. The Spurs captured the win following a Tony Parker 20-footer as time expired, showing the NBA world the Spurs were not going away anytime soon.
18. Timmy block party on Zach Randolph
When: February 27th, 2011
Stats: 12 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 blocks, 1 steal, 3/8 FG
Final: SAS over MEM 95-88
One of the truly underrated players of the 2000s, Zach Randolph finally came into his own as the go-to scorer for the pesky Grizzlies in 2011. An entry pass from Shane Battier saw Randolph with an open lane to the basket until veteran Tim Duncan left assignment Marc Gasol for the block from behind. He was not done there. Randolph’s determination to score was met by Duncan’s tenacity on the defensive end, meeting him with two additional blocks and ripping away the rebound for one the best defensive sequences of Timmy’s illustrious career.
17. Timmy career-high vs DAL
When: December 26th, 2001
Stats: 53 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, 19/28 FG, 15/15 FT
Final: DAL over SAS 126-123 F/OT
Tim Duncan was a household name the moment he entered the league, finishing in the top five in MVP voting in each of his first four seasons, the only player in the NBA to do so in that span, but the 2001-2002 season was the year he finally broke through to earn his first of back-to-back MVP’s. The day after Christmas, Dallas and San Antonio duked it out in the Alamodome with the Mavericks having the upper hand in a tight contest for the majority of the day. Duncan started the day strong, but finished the game stronger. He went a perfect 8/8 from the floor and with a 21 point fourth quarter and a Terry Porter three pointer with five seconds left sent the game to overtime. His dominance continued in overtime, as he was the only Spur to score a field goal, tacking on an additional seven points. The game was set for double overtime, but a Steve Nash dagger three with 0.6 seconds allowed the Mavericks to escape with a victory. The Spurs and Mavericks went on to finish the year with 58 and 57 wins respectively, good for two of the top four records in the league (all of which were from the West), each losing in the semi-finals to the Lakers and Kings.
16. Timmy game-winner vs LAC
When: March 29th, 2013
Stats: 34 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, 12/19 FG, 10/10 FT
Final: SAS over ATL 104-102
Fresh off sweeping the Clippers in the 2012 semi-finals, San Antonio entered the night 1-2 against the Clippers in the 2012-2013 regular season, looking to tie the series and remain 1st in the West with the Thunder right on their heels. Duncan really was hitting his stride in the month of March, averaging a season-best 19.7 points and 11.8 rebounds a game, and he continued his hot streak, this time against Lob City. With 7.0 seconds left, the Spurs in-bounded the ball down one to Danny Green. Kawhi Leonard set a down screen for Duncan to pop up at the elbow. As he caught the ball, Leonard’s man Willie Green jumped in anticipation of a shot by the big man, but Duncan pump faked, drawing contact as he went up for the shot. A homecourt bounce and a whistle sent San Antonio fans in a frenzy. Following the free throw and a defensive stop, the Spurs escaped with a quality win against one of the West’s premier contenders.
15. Timmy 20/20 game; game-winner vs ATL
When: April 10th, 2013
Stats: 23 points, 21 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal, 10/15 FG
Final: SAS over ATL 102-100
Fast forward 11 days, and you have your next Timmy moment! Duncan continued his hot streak, dominating down low against a formidable duo of Al Horford and Paul Millsap. After a big three pointer by Jeff Teague with 4.7 seconds left, the Spurs had one more opportunity at the win before heading to overtime. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Popovich called the same play as the game-winner nearly two weeks prior against the Clippers. The Spurs executed this one even more to perfection. Coming off a down screen by Marco Belinelli, Manu found Timmy who then sunk the elbow jumper with 0.4 seconds left. At 36, Tim Duncan became the oldest player to ever record a 20-20 game, capping off the feat with an exclamation point.
14. Timmy block on Harden
When: April 10th, 2015
Stats: 29 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks, 1 steal, 12/15 FG
Final: SAS over HOU 104-103
Two years to the day of his 15th greatest moment, Duncan continued to show off his defensive prowess, this time in a clutch moment against a division rival as the regular season was coming to a close. The Spurs were riding hot on a nine game win streak coming into Houston, including a victory against the Rockets two nights prior. San Antonio had the edge on the season series 2-1 and a win would put them in an advantageous situation in a race to the two seed, that included the Rockets. Duncan had one of his best all-around games of the season, but the soon-to-be 39 year-old held the paint down as time came to a close. James Harden drove by DPOY front-runner Kawhi Leonard with 5.0 seconds left with an open lane to the basket. Duncan shifted over, and with a perfectly timed block and securing the rebound and his 821st career double-double (most all-time), the Spurs won the season series, putting themselves in the driver’s seat to the two seed with two games remaining.
13. Timmy’s last great playoff game
When: May 2nd, 2015
Stats: 27 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 blocks, 11/16 FG
Final: LAC over SAS 111-109
Remember the driver’s seat I just mentioned? Well, San Antonio squandered it. In the regular season finale, the New Orleans Pelicans needed a win to get into the playoffs, while the Spurs would clinch the two seed. A lot was riding on this game, as the paradigm of the West would shift dramatically with a Spurs loss. Anthony Davis and company would win, and the loss combined with bad luck vaulted the Spurs into the sixth seed. Due to a rule which allowed all division winners a top four seed, the 51-win Trail Blazers would shift down two 55-win teams, with the Grizzlies getting the tie-breaker over the Spurs. That matchup set the defending champions up against the Clippers in what would become one of the best first round series in recent memory. A back-and-forth series resulted in a Game 7 at Staples Center, where the winning team would meet the Rockets. Personally, this Game 7 was one of my favorite Spurs games to memory. Usually in Game 7’s, the pace slows down, but in this one, each team threw everything they had out there. Every quarter ended with the teams separated by just one score. Duncan had 10 in the fourth, including two clutch free throws with 9.0 seconds left to tie up the game at 109. The ensuing possession saw Chris Paul, who had been dealing with a tweaked hamstring, threw up a mid range prayer over Duncan with one second left, which ultimately dethroned the reigning champs in a classic matchup between two Wake Forest alumnis.
12. Timmy game-winner vs Seattle in Semi-Finals
When: May 19th, 2005
Stats: 26 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal, 6/21 FG, 14/17 FT
Final: SAS over SEA 98-96
The Spurs were up 3-2 in the Western Conference Semifinals going back to Seattle. The series had not been that close on a per game basis, though. Four of the five games prior had been by double digits, with the home team claiming each game. Game 6 was Duncan’s worst going into the 4th quarter. Down one, Duncan had struggled all game putting the ball in the basket, going 1-13 from the floor, not hitting his first basket until five minutes left in the 3rd. He finally came alive in the 4th, however, scoring 10 leading up to the final possession, the only player in the game to score double digits in the final quarter. After a pair of free throws by former Spur Antonio Daniels knotted the game up at 96, Ginobili had the ball for the last shot. As time ran down, the Argentina guard began driving to his left only to zip a pass to Duncan on the low block, who banked in the game-winner with 0.5 seconds left, which ultimately closed out the series over Ray Allen and company. Though the big time shot was not the most difficult in the world, it vaulted San Antonio to the Conference Finals against the top seeded Suns in what would be their first of many playoff battles with Steve Nash and their high-powered offense.
This would also wind up being the Super Sonic’s last playoff game at KeyArena before their relocation to Oklahoma City in 2008.
11. Closing down the Forum
When: May 23rd, 1999
Stats: 33 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, 11/14 FG, 11/14 FT
Final: SAS over LAL 118-107
This one lands in the historical significance category. While Shaq and Kobe were beginning to make noise as the league’s best duo, their title hopes were a year away, despite a lockout-shortened 50-game season filled with parity after Michael Jordan’s second retirement. This would be the last season the Lakers would be in The Forum, a legendary arena that had hosted the team for the previous 32 years, notably during the era of the Showtime Lakers. The Spurs took the lead 30 seconds in and never looked back. They led wire-to-wire and swept the Lakers 4-0, despite a 36 point 14 rebound effort from Shaq. Duncan was dominant and incredibly efficient from the field. San Antonio would meet the Trail Blazers in the Conference Finals, en route to their first Finals appearance in franchise history. The Spurs landed the first punch in a newly minted rivalry that would dominate the NBA for the next 15 years, where the two franchises would combine for 10 championships and 13 NBA Finals appearances.
10. Nearly completing the comeback vs DAL in Semi-Finals
When: May 22nd, 2006
Stats: 41 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assist, 3 blocks, 1 steal, 12/24 FG, 17/23 FT
Final: DAL over SAS 119-111 F/OT
Throughout Duncan’s career, you might not find a better overall playoff performance than what he put together this night. Remember that dumb Portland rule I mentioned earlier? Well, it used to be worse. Much much worse. You see, in 2006, Dallas and San Antonio dominated the Western Conference. Each team rallied off 60 wins in a conference that only had one additional team even surpass 50 wins (Phoenix: 54). Despite holding the top two records in the West, the Mavericks were awarded the 4th seed, due to a rule that guaranteed all division winners a top 3 seed. So the Denver Nuggets, who finished 44-38, tied for the 7th best record in the conference, were awarded the 3 seed. Despite finishing 16 games ahead of Denver, Dallas would be on a path to face their in-state rivals in the semi-finals, rather than clashing with the Spurs in the WCF. I digress. Nevertheless, Dallas controlled the series heavily after rallying off three straight wins in Games 2-4 to take a 3-1 series lead heading back to San Antonio. Two hard fought victories by the Spurs in Games 5 and 6 led to a huge conclusion to the series. After a big 37 point first quarter, the Mavericks were up by as much as 21 in the first half. Led by Tim Duncan, the Spurs continued to fight back and suddenly found themselves down single digits entering the 4th quarter. A 24 point, 13 rebound second half from Timmy brought the Spurs all the way back to a tie game after a Duncan free throw with just over a minute left. The ensuing possession, Duncan was fed down low only to kick it back out to Ginobili who hit a three to give San Antonio their first lead of the entire game. An ill-advised foul on a Nowitzki drive by Manu gave the Mavericks an and-1 opportunity, which led to overtime, where Dallas would pull away to dethrone the Spurs after a classic seven game series. Six of the seven games were decided by five points or less or in overtime. The NBA would change the seeding rule in the offseason to ensure two powerhouse teams from the same division would not have to meet until the Conference Finals should they have the best records again.
9. Old Man Riverwalk and co. closing out the Thunder in the WCF; Tim’s promise
When: May 31st, 2014
Stats: 19 points, 16 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 6/14 FG
Final: SAS over OKC 112-107 F/OT
The Spurs came into Oklahoma City looking to close out the Thunder in Game 6 of the Conference Finals against Russell Westbrook and MVP Kevin Durant. They would have to do so without leading scorer Tony Parker, who was ruled out in the 2nd half due to a calf injury. Despite the injury, the Spurs rallied, outscoring the Thunder by 17 in the third quarter behind Boris Diaw and Manu Ginobili. Down six with two minutes remaining, The Thunder rallied back on an 8-0 and took the lead 99-97 with 30 seconds left. San Antonio answered with a Manu three, but a missed free throw on the next possession allowed Russell Westbrook to tie the game, resulting in overtime. Duncan struggled in the second half shooting, going 1-8 from the field, but showed up big in the extra period. First, a great post move against Serge Ibaka gave San Antonio the lead 106-105. Then, a pair of Duncan free throws put them back on top 108-107. The following possession, a mismatch led to the Spurs going to the Big Fundamental again. Westbrook almost stole the entry pass. Unphased, Duncan backed down Reggie Jackson and then spun for a turnaround mid-range jumper contested by both guards, which rolled in with 20 seconds to play. A pair of stops on the other end sealed the deal and the Spurs were back in the Finals for the second year in a row to take on the Heat. The six point stretch was crucial by the veteran, who wheeled his team to a win against the younger, more athletic Thunder team. Then, in a postgame interview, an unexpected level of confidence came out of Duncan, who stated San Antonio would be ready for the rematch. In the words of Mr. Duncan, “We’ve got four more to win, we’ll do it this time.”
8. Timmy first playoff game
When: May 23rd, 1998
Stats: 32 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 1 steal, 12/21 FG
Final: SAS over PHX 102-96
Duncan came right out of the gate swinging as a rookie. In his first year, he averaged 21 points, 12 boards, and 2.5 blocks, as the Spurs had the biggest single-season turnaround to date, winning 56 games, after just 20 the previous year. The 5-seeded Spurs would take on the Jason Kidd-led Suns in the first round in a five game series. San Antonio needed to win one on the road to win the series, and Game 1 would be the easiest way to upset Phoenix. Down eight entering the 4th, the Spurs rallied to make it a one possession game. The lead would change hands back and forth, but Duncan then went on a memorable stretch that sent announcer Kevin Harlan in a frenzy. He scored six consecutive baskets in a five minute stretch with the Spurs feeding him every possession as the game came down to the wire. He finished with 28 second half points, including 18 in the fourth quarter to secure the road win. It was the first glimpse at a young superstar taking over the NBA with his first of 19 consecutive playoff appearances. San Antonio would go on to win the series 3-1.
7. San Antonio’s first title
When: June 25th, 1999
Stats: 31 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 12/22 FG
Final: SAS over NYK 78-77
It’s funny how the start of the lockout season in 1999, could very well have changed the trajectory for all Spurs fans as we know them. After a 6-8 start, there were rumblings of firing Head Coach Greg Popovich. The Spurs would shake off the slow start to finish the year 31-5, en route to capturing the 1 seed after a tie-breaker with the Jazz, who shared the best record at 37-13. Following a pair of sweeps of the Lakers and Trail Blazers, San Antonio went head-to-head against the 8-seeded Knicks, who would be without Patrick Ewing and Larry Johnson. Duncan took full advantage of the shorthanded front court, dominating with 27 points and 14 rebounds a game. In Game 5, the Spurs were down one with less than a minute remaining. A go-ahead bucket by Avery Johnson with 47 seconds left put them back on top. A defensive stand in the final seconds allowed San Antonio to hold on, capturing their first championship in franchise history. Duncan would go on to be named the Finals MVP, the third-youngest ever at 22 years old only behind Magic Johnson, who won the award at both 20 and 22 in 1980 and 1982.
6. Taking down Detroit in Game 7
When: June 23rd, 2005
Stats: 25 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, 10/27 FG
Final: SAS over DET 81-74
The NBA Finals in 2005 was an ugly site to see for those who had no ties to either Detroit or San Antonio. Only once did a team surpass 100 points. The first four games were split with each game being decided by at least 15 points. Game 5 was an exciting affair that had to be decided in overtime by Robert Horry’s big three with five seconds remaining. Another decisive victory by Detroit in Game 6 resulted in a Game 7 clash between the NBA’s top defensive teams. The final game lived up to the billing, however. The game was tied at 57 entering the fourth quarter after a defensive battle throughout the game. Duncan’s 17 point, 8 rebound effort in the second half led the way, and a big Manu three after a kick out from Duncan put the game out of reach with three minutes to go. Duncan was named Finals MVP for the third time of his career, joining MJ, Shaq, and Magic as the only ones to win the award three times, capping off a perfect end to the first half of Duncan’s career.
5. The Beautiful Game’s magical ending
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bckeFYPj-o – Game 5
When: June 15th, 2014
Stats: 14 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 5/10 FG
Final: SAS over MIA 104-87
In a rematch from the year prior, the Spurs and Heat met again in the NBA Finals, the sixth appearance of Duncan’s career. This team was one of the most exciting Spurs teams to watch of the Duncan era, as San Antonio abandoned it’s record slow pace in exchange for ball movement and highly efficient shooting. They led the NBA in point differential and 3 point percentage, while donning the best record at 62-20. Not one player played more than 30 minutes per game and the deep rotation allowed everyone to contribute throughout the regular and postseason. After splitting Games 1 and 2, San Antonio won both games in Miami in convincing fashion leading up to a close out game at home on Father’s Day. After a dominant start to the game by LeBron James, the Spurs found themselves down 22-6 midway through the first quarter. A run led by Manu Ginobili and Kawhi Leonard put the Spurs on top in the second quarter and then an avalanche would fall. Ball movement and hot shooting continued as the Spurs poured it on the Heat following a 39-15 run. Spurs leading scorer Tony Parker would not even score a point until 16 seconds left in the third quarter before getting in on the action. San Antonio would keep their distance in the final period, capturing their fifth championship in franchise history. Duncan became the second player in NBA history to win titles in three different decades, showing the tremendous longevity and drive Duncan continued to show throughout his career.
4. Timmy for 3 vs PHX
When: April 19th, 2008
Stats: 40 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks, 1 steal, 16/24 FG
Final: SAS over PHX 117-115 F/2OT
San Antonio would meet Phoenix in the opening round of the 2008 playoffs for the third time in four years and Game 1 would be a great start to the series. The Spurs trailed for the majority of the game, as Steve Nash and Amar’e Stoudemire continued to wreak havoc. Fast forward to overtime, San Antonio was down five with a minute to go. A bucket by Duncan cut it to a one score game. Veteran Kurt Thomas drew an offensive charge on Stoudemire with 12 seconds to go, which fouled out the All Star. After a timeout, the Spurs inbounded the ball to Ginobili, who after a screen set by Duncan, drove to the basket, which drew in Shaq. Timmy, instead of rolling, popped out to the three point line. Manu passed the ball to him and in rhythm, the two-time MVP knocked down the three pointer, his first three point attempt of the season. The game was sent into double overtime, where San Antonio would prevail after a game-winning layup by Ginobili. The unexpected play, in addition to Duncan’s 40 point effort is what made this moment so special. San Antonio would go on to win the series 4-1.
3. The Miracle shot that never was
When: May 13th, 2004
Stats: 21 points, 21 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 blocks, 7/15 FG
Final: LAL over SAS 74-73
The Spurs and Lakers met once again in the 2004 Playoffs for the fourth consecutive year, as the Spurs looked to repeat following their 2003 title. Knotted up at 2-2, the pivotal Game 5 would go a long way in determining the series winner and likely Western Conference representative in the NBA Finals. In a low scoring affair, the Spurs rallied from down seven to have a shot at the win late. Kobe Bryant’s 20-footer put the Lakers up one with 11.5 seconds to play. The following possession, Manu inbounded Duncan the ball, and after a rub screen did not work, Timmy dribbled left with Shaq all over him and fired up a prayer only to sink it with 0.4 seconds left. After a few timeouts, the Lakers tried to inbound the ball to Kobe Bryant, but after a double team, Derek Fisher came streaking over to catch and shoot the ball. Swish. The miracle win by the Spurs was no more. San Antonio wound up losing Game 6 in Los Angeles. Still, despite the ending, it does not take away the fact that Duncan hit and was robbed of one of the greatest moments in playoff history.
2. Timmy dethroning the Lakers
When: May 15th, 2003
Stats: 37 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, 16/25 FG
Final: SAS over LAL 110-82
Even though Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili were on the team in 2003, they were not considered a Big 3 at that juncture. David Robinson was in his final season and San Antonio severely lacked firepower outside of Tim Duncan. Throughout the playoffs, only Parker and Stephen Jackson averaged double figures outside of the now back-to-back MVP. The Spurs went head-to-head in the semifinals against the three-peat Lakers, who San Antonio had fallen to in the past two years 4-0 and then 4-1. Timmy soon got his revenge. Heading into Los Angeles up 3-2, many expected the Lakers to even the series to go back to San Antonio tied 3-3. A Shaq dunk to go up 2-1 30 seconds in was as close as the Lakers would get to that happening. After a three pointer by Bruce Bowen, San Antonio led the rest of the way. The dominating performance by Duncan shut down the NBA champions in decisive fashion. He outscored Kobe and Shaq combined in the second half and proved that he truly was the best player in the game that season. San Antonio would go on to win a hard fought conference finals against the Mavericks before heading back to the NBA Finals.
- Near Quad dub in a close out NBA Finals game
When: June 15th, 2003
Stats: 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists, 8 blocks, 9/19 FG
Final: SAS over NJ 88-77
Many thought there was an asterisk next to San Antonio’s first championship. Duncan did everything he could to make sure an exclamation point would be put on their second. Going up against the NBA’s top defensive rated team, Duncan was truly dominant putting together one of the best individual NBA Finals series in history. He averaged 24.2 points, 17.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game while setting the NBA record for blocks in Finals history (31). His close out game was his most notable. A quadruple double has never been recorded in the playoffs (one has not been recorded since David Robinson in 1994), and Duncan nearly accomplished this feat in Game 6. Allegedly two more blocks were not accounted for, but that is a different story for another day. In addition to this feat, Duncan almost made more history in Game 1. With 32 points, 20 rebounds, 6 assists, 7 blocks, and 3 steals, Duncan nearly became this first player in NBA history to record a 5×5 in the playoffs, which is five or more in five statistical categories. The dominance in the NBA Finals was overlooked by many, due to being the second-lowest rated NBA Finals of all-time, but Spurs fans remember well.
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