Tim Duncan caught a pass with deep position in the paint and Mike Miller guarding him, and Duncan immediately attempted a hook shot and missed. Duncan turned his head to the right as if were making the first move in shaking it in frustration, and he’d certainly be justified. That was Duncan’s fifth miss in his first five shots.
But Duncan ran upcourt with his head turned to the right, never actually shaking it or showing any other sign of irritation.
The only thing Duncan shook off was his slow start on his way to his 145th playoff double-double in his 130th playoff win.
“I didn’t change anything, honestly,” Duncan told reporters after the game.
He never does.
In his regular-season career, Duncan has averaged 20.7 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.3 blocks per 36 minutes.
In his post-season career, Duncan has averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.3 blocks per 36 minutes.
And in 37 minutes tonight, Duncan had 20 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and three blocks.
Even at age 37, Duncan is maintaining his career levels. He’s now a cool 5-0 in Game 1s of the NBA Finals, and if he keeps up these numbers, the Spurs should be set.
He’s never lost a Finals series, and like everything else with him, why would that change now?