Fansided

The top 5 moments of Tim Duncan’s career

By Andre Pruitt

BROOKLYN, NJ - JANUARY 11: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Tim Duncan
BROOKLYN, NJ - JANUARY 11: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Tim Duncan /
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Feb 10, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan (21) looks on against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan (21) looks on against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Duncan’s first MVP in 2002

Shaq and Kobe dominated the NBA in the early 2000’s, and their Los Angeles Lakers team looked unstoppable while winning back-to-back-to-back championships from 2000-02. All of which made the MVP award Duncan won in 2002 that much more impressive.

In a league that boasted two other future Hall of Famers at the peak of their powers, Duncan was recognized as the best player in the NBA. Still, the question remained: could the Spurs get past the Lakers after getting swept the previous year? The Spurs ultimately lost to the Lakers again in 5 games during the Western Conference semi-finals.

However, the loss to the Lakers did not take anything away from Duncan’s fantastic season. Duncan led the Spurs to a 58-24 record (the Spurs third straight regular season with over 50 wins) and second place in the Western Conference.

Duncan put up career highs in scoring (25.5 points per game) and rebounds (12.7 boards per game), and averaged 3.7 assists to go with 2.5 blocks per game. He beat out New Jersey Nets point guard Jason Kidd for the MVP in a close battle. Kidd received 45 first place votes while Duncan received 57.

Next: 3. Duncan's second MVP in 2003

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