ducks
06-24-2005, 12:10 AM
The reluctant superstar claims his third Finals MVP
By JIM LITKE, AP Sports Columnist
June 24, 2005
SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Until he wrapped his XXL hands around another MVP trophy, the closest thing to a display of emotion from Tim Duncan came in the fourth quarter, when almost no one was looking. He allowed himself a brief glance over his shoulder to savor the moment, clenched both fists and shook them for the briefest of moments.
It didn't come after a thundering dunk, a nothing-but-net jump shot, a momentum-turning block or rebound, or any of the other glam numbers from the stat line that won Duncan his third MVP award in an NBA Finals.
Staying completely in character, America's most reluctant superstar had just thrown a quick diagonal pass out of a double team, watched as teammate Manu Ginobili's 3-pointer rattled around the rim and fell through, and turned up court and allowed himself that quick celebration.
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Then he went right back to work.
It might have been his least spectacular play on a night when the San Antonio Spurs won a third NBA championship by riding his 25 points, 11 rebounds, two blocks and two other assists. But chances are it was his favorite.
``It's definitely an honor,'' Duncan said, ``but this team has so many MVPs.''
By JIM LITKE, AP Sports Columnist
June 24, 2005
SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Until he wrapped his XXL hands around another MVP trophy, the closest thing to a display of emotion from Tim Duncan came in the fourth quarter, when almost no one was looking. He allowed himself a brief glance over his shoulder to savor the moment, clenched both fists and shook them for the briefest of moments.
It didn't come after a thundering dunk, a nothing-but-net jump shot, a momentum-turning block or rebound, or any of the other glam numbers from the stat line that won Duncan his third MVP award in an NBA Finals.
Staying completely in character, America's most reluctant superstar had just thrown a quick diagonal pass out of a double team, watched as teammate Manu Ginobili's 3-pointer rattled around the rim and fell through, and turned up court and allowed himself that quick celebration.
ADVERTISEMENT
Then he went right back to work.
It might have been his least spectacular play on a night when the San Antonio Spurs won a third NBA championship by riding his 25 points, 11 rebounds, two blocks and two other assists. But chances are it was his favorite.
``It's definitely an honor,'' Duncan said, ``but this team has so many MVPs.''