Tim Duncan has finally retired after winning five championships and two MVP titles. He is the only player to win 1,000 games with the same franchise while making the playoffs in all 19 seasons he played with the San Antonio Spurs. It is hard to soak up the total greatness the Big Quiet Giant was during his long, historic career. Duncan, without a doubt, cemented himself as a first ballot Hall of Famer, a top 10 NBA great and will arguably be the best power forward of all time. Here we look back at some of the most memorable moments of his brilliant career.
1. Three vs. the Suns April 2008
The Spurs had the ball with 12 seconds left in Game 1 of their first-round playoff game against the Phoenix Suns in 2008. They were down three. Legendary Coach Popovich needed to design a play to give one of his players a an open three to tie the game. So with sharp shooters, Tony Parker, Michael Finley and Manu Ginobili on the floor who did Wizard Pop give it to? Tim Duncan of course! Tim Duncan’s first three-point field goal of the season sent the game into overtime, and the Spurs went on to win game one 117-115.
2. First Championship 1999
During his second season, Duncan became an NBA champion.
In the regular-season Duncan averaged of 21.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.5 blocks, Duncan — side-by-side with a healthy Robinson — led the Spurs to a league-best 37-13 record (shortened by lockout). The Spurs advanced easily to the NBA Finals after handily beating the Timberwolves, Lakers and Trailblazers. The legend of Tim Duncan was born in the 1999 Finals against the New York Knicks. Duncan and the Spurs beat the Knicks in 5 games. Duncan earned NBA Finals MVP honors by averaging 27.4 points, 14.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.2 blocks, and was named Finals MVP, becoming the second-youngest player (23) in NBA history to do so, (behind Magic Johnson). The Spurs lost a measly two games that entire post season. Thus the “Big Fundamental” started his path to postseason greatness.
3. The 53 point game
Tim Duncan earned his nickname the “Big Fundamental” for his high basketball IQ and his silky-smooth offensive skill set. Duncan was never known for making blistering highlight reels with posterizing dunks or alley hoops. However, that doesn’t mean Duncan never put on offensive clinics. On December 26, 2001 Duncan had arguably the best game of his career against Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks. Duncan Was locked in, knocking down 19 of his 28 shot attempts on the way to a career-high 53-point performance. Duncan added 11 rebounds, four assists and three blocks. However, Duncan’s performance was bittersweet as the Spurs lost in overtime. However, it was definitely a career day for Duncan to remember.