The casual NBA fan may not notice, let alone care. It is not like he would ever tell the media. For a man with 24,904 career points, we have probably heard him say 20,000 fewer words. Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs is a living basketball icon. He is also a tired one.
The later years for ‘The Big Fundamental’, appreciating the elegance and mastery of his game, has become easier for fans who once dubbed his style of play and the San Antonio Spurs as ‘boring’. Perhaps the reason illuminates because he ranks as the franchise’s best player, having long since eclipsed the likes of Spurs legends David Robinson and George ‘The Iceman’ Gervin. Better yet, perhaps it is because Duncan is one of the 12 best players to ever don a jersey in the NBA.
Understand Duncan’s 17-year dominance in San Antonio has produced 16 50-win seasons. The lockout-shortened 50-game campaign in 1998-99 is the culprit for the lone blemish. The New York Knicks have had 13 in their 68-year existence. Meanwhile, 26 NBA teams have fewer than 15 all-time.
Yet, for Duncan, the elder statesman in the NBA’s most experienced core, 2014 could be the final chance to return to basketball’s mountaintop. Missed free throws, a miraculous Ray Allen three pointer, a Chris Bosh block and a linchpin LeBron James Game 7 performance last summer are what separates Duncan from a suddenly elusive fifth NBA title.
More importantly, the ghost of his own crunch time blunders in Game 7 continue to haunt one of the game’s all-time greats. This is why he subjected his body, sore from years of basketball blunt-force trauma, to another 82-game boot camp. Duncan and the Spurs realise nearly 20 years among American sports’ elite is the rarest of air.
The real journey begins Sunday for Duncan, a two-time league MVP and three-time NBA Finals MVP. For however long the Spurs remain in play-off contention, Duncan will see familiar faces along the way. The opening round benefits Dirk Nowitizki and the Dallas Mavericks. The next, maybe Dwight Howard and the Houston Rockets and after that, possibly Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Pending both teams survive to see 5 June, a third and final grudge match against James in the NBA Finals could one way or the other pen the final chapter in Duncan’s career.
Whatever and whomever stand in Duncan’s path, he understands the quest ahead will be a bloody, emotional and rugged course. As for basketball fans, our only obligation is respecting what we are watching. Tim Duncans do not grow on trees. Appreciate the present and live in the moment. This could be the last two months we are afforded to watch No. 21 play basketball.
Then again, we said that four years ago, too.
Justin Tinsley is a writer based in Richmond, Virginia, USA. His work has been featured in SLAM Magazine, LA Weekly, The Score and more. You can follow him on Twiter @JustinTinsley
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
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Singham Again
Director: Rohit Shetty
Stars: Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Deepika Padukone
Rating: 3/5
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COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
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Company%20Profile
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Jigra
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Packages which the US Secret Service said contained possible explosive devices were sent to:
- Former first lady Hillary Clinton
- Former US president Barack Obama
- Philanthropist and businessman George Soros
- Former CIA director John Brennan at CNN's New York bureau
- Former Attorney General Eric Holder (delivered to former DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz)
- California Congresswoman Maxine Waters (two devices)
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg result:
Ajax 2-3 Tottenham
Tottenham advance on away goals rule after tie ends 3-3 on aggregate
Final: June 1, Madrid
What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
- Grade 9 = above an A*
- Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
- Grade 7 = grade A
- Grade 6 = just above a grade B
- Grade 5 = between grades B and C
- Grade 4 = grade C
- Grade 3 = between grades D and E
- Grade 2 = between grades E and F
- Grade 1 = between grades F and G
How it works
Booklava works on a subscription model. On signing up you receive a free book as part of a 30-day-trial period, after which you pay US$9.99 (Dh36.70) per month to gain access to a library of books and discounts of up to 30 per cent on selected titles. You can cancel your subscription at any time. For more details go to www.booklava.com
The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Tree of Hell
Starring: Raed Zeno, Hadi Awada, Dr Mohammad Abdalla
Director: Raed Zeno
Rating: 4/5
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now