Tim Duncan - Spurs x Suns Game 1 - 98 playoffs

[Spurs Brazil]

As I always do in off-season I was looking for some old tapes of Spurs basketball to see.

Today I saw again the Spurs x Suns Game 1 of the 98 playoffs.

I think the last time I saw that game was 6 or 7 years ago and after I look at it again today I can’t believe how great TD played in his 1st playoff game.

When Spurs fans talk about this game I always remember TD played great but looking at it he wasn’t great, he was FANTASTIC.

He scored 18 of his 32 in the 4th quarter, killing John Williams time after time, 7 straight FGs in the 4th.

The tape is very old and the quality isn’t the best but I’m very happy to have this game.

Spurs won 102-96 and the series 3-1.

3 quick notes.

Spurs playing with the triple towers. The NBA today going small and in 98 we were playing with Robinson, TD and Perdue. In the 1st half TD guarded Kidd

Del Negro sucks. This year Finley is like Jordan if you compare to 98 Del Negro

Herrera and Lohaus on the Spurs bench :lol

[Fernando TD21]

I didn't find any videos of that game on youtube.:depressed

[Spurs Brazil]

Box score here

http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199804230PHO.html

[Spurs Brazil]

Recap

Game Recap

Tim Duncan became the go-to guy in his playoff debut, scoring 18
of his 32 points in the fourth quarter as the San Antonio Spurs
rallied for a 102-96 victory over the Phoenix Suns in Game One
of their opening-round series.

Duncan, who scored just four points in the first half, turned
teammate David Robinson -- one of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players
-- into a decoy on the offensive end. Duncan continuously
received the ball in the post in crunch time and converted as
the smaller Suns could do nothing to stop the NBA's top rookie.

"I felt good in the fourth quarter. I wasn't expecting that at
all," Duncan said. "I had an opportunity to get my rhythm
started up there in the fourth quarter, things started falling
for me and I just kept going."

Duncan scored San Antonio's final eight points of the third
quarter, but the Spurs still trailed, 75-67. He began to take
over midway through the final period, scoring six points of a
10-2 spurt that gave San Antonio an 84-83 edge.

Duncan buried a basket on a post-up move to cap that spurt,
sparking a stretch in which he scored 12 straight Spurs points.
That string of dominance was capped by a free throw with 2:16
remaining, building San Antonio's advantage to 94-89.

"He's a pretty special player," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said.
"I don't know what else to say, I've said so many things all
year."

"We talked about doubling down on Duncan in the fourth quarter,"
Suns coach Danny Ainge explained. "We flew at him a couple of
times. By the time the double-team got there, he had already
put the shot up."

The Suns made a bit of a run down the stretch but never made it
a one-possession game as they were unable to hit key shots.
Phoenix was just 9-of-22 from the field in the fourth quarter
while San Antonio hit 11-of-14, including 7-of-9 from Duncan.

"It was one of those games both teams knocked the hell out of
each other, played hard," Popovich said. "Down the stretch, we
made our shots and down the stretch, they missed theirs. That
was the difference."

Robinson had just five of his 26 points in the fourth quarter
but did grab 15 rebounds. Duncan pulled down 10 boards for his
first postseason double-double. He had a league-high 57 during
the season.

Kevin Johnson scored 18 points and Jason Kidd added 17 and 11
assists for fourth-seeded Phoenix, which got 31 points from its
bench to just six for fifth-seeded San Antonio.

"Coming down the stretch, they made baskets when they had to,
and we missed some that we normally make, so that's when the
tide turned," Kidd said. "He (Duncan) made some tough shots and
you have to give him credit. They called his number and he
answered."

But Phoenix's problems in the final period may be directly
related to a major piece that was missing from Ainge's `small
ball' approach. Sharpshooter Rex Chapman, the Suns' leading
scorer and top clutch player, missed the game with a pulled
hamstring that had kept him out of the regular-season finale.

A driving basket by Duncan gave San Antonio an 86-85 edge with
5:25 to go. Johnson answered with a jumper from the left wing to
put the Suns back in front, but that was their final lead.
Duncan hit a short fallaway over 6-11 Hot Rod Williams for an
88-87 lead with 4:46 remaining. After grabbing the rebound of a
miss by Williams on the other end, Duncan buried a bank shot to
make it a three-point game.

"I was surprised, I thought they would double-team a lot more,"
Duncan said. "But they came with a game plan and stuck with it.
I felt good down the stretch. They came to me a couple times in
a row, I got some space on the court and the baskets started
falling."

Antonio McDyess responded for the Suns with a jumper, but
quickly turned into the victim as Duncan hit a tough, baseline
hook over McDyess to make it 92-89. Duncan pulled down the
rebound of a miss by Kidd and was fouled by McDyess, hitting
1-of-2 foul shots for a four-point lead.

Duncan added another free throw with 2:16 left to build a 94-89
advantage before the Suns' Mark Bryant hit one from the line.
Duncan finally missed but Phoenix was unable to take advantage
as Bryant had his layup blocked by Robinson.

Bryant, who scored a season-high 15 points, fouled Avery
Johnson, who drained two free throws to make it 96-90 with 1:25
left. Johnson scored 15 of his 22 points in the first half and
hit 8-of-11 from the field.

"Avery did a fantastic job for us going to the hole and Tim just
took over in the second half," Robinson said. "I think it was
an overall strong team effort and a great win for us to start
this series."

Kidd made a steal and layup to pull Phoenix within 96-92. His
next steal led to two free throws for Kevin Johnson, an 87
percent free-throw shooter. But Johnson missed both shots.

Robinson hit a free throw and Vinny Del Negro added a pair as
San Antonio created a 99-92 cushion with 31 seconds left. Dennis
Scott had a basket and, after Duncan missed two free throws,
Kevin Johnson recovered with a pair of foul shots to make it a
three-point game. But Avery Johnson hit a free throw, and after
Scott missed a three-pointer, Duncan pulled down the board and
hit two free throws to seal the victory.

Robinson and Duncan combined to shoot a dismal 16-of-30 from the
line and San Antonio made just 27-of-43 free throws overall. But
Phoenix was 11-of-18, and missed four of its seven attempts in
the second half.

The Suns, who were outrebounded in all four meetings during the
regular season, fought to a 37-37 deadlock on the glass. But
they shot 47 percent (41-of-87) from the field to San Antonio's
53 percent (36-of-68).

The Spurs, who had lost three of four to Phoenix this season,
received little help from outside shooters Jaren Jackson, Chuck
Person and Del Negro, who combined to shoot 4-of-17 for 13
points.

McDyess had 14 points in his first playoff gaame but no one
truly stepped up in the absence of Chapman. George McCloud
started in his place and played 33 minutes, scoring just eight
points while grabbing nine boards. Scott chipped in 10 points.

Following a tight first quarter, Kidd scored seven points in the
second period to help Phoenix take a 50-45 halftime lead. San
Antonio fought back in the third period and grabbed a 61-59 edge
on Robinson's 16-footer with 6:32 left. But the Suns reeled off
the next 10 points, including six by McDyess, and Bryant's layup
made it 69-61 with 2:43 to go in the period.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/scores98/98113/98113393.htm

[nfg3]

I'm jealous! and :depressed since I can't watch it also.

But TD was great and it has been a fantastic ride with him all these years.

:flag:

[Tacker]

i had the game on tape and tv tuned it onto dvd

[tmtcsc]

I just watched that game last week. I also had Game 4 where the Spurs Finished off the Suns and Avery said "I will not be mishandled !"

You forgot to mention that "Young Fella" tortured McDyess in that game too. No one could guard him. They tried single coverage with Hot Rod Williams, Marcus Bryant and Antonio McDyess.

That Phoenix team was nuts. They had Jason Kidd, Kevin Johnson AND Steve Nash. Rex Champman was on the bench.

While Tim was fantastic that game, he still had scoring droughts even back then. In Game 4 he wast terrible. Avery carried the scoring load. I said Avery carried the scoring load. Chuck Person bombed away from ridiculous distances and made them.

[MI21]

You forgot to mention that "Young Fella" tortured McDyess in that game too. No one could guard him. They tried single coverage with Hot Rod Williams, Marcus Bryant and Antonio McDyess.

It was actually Mark Bryant. Sorry, I just found it funny that because of the poster here, you got dude's name wrong :lol

I would of done the same thing I reckon :)

[Marcus Bryant]

That was a long night.

[MI21]

:lol

Good one :tu

[kobyz]

wow!! i want to see this game

[Don Quixote]

Yes ... that was a great game. Timmy went postal on Hot Rod Williams in the 4th of that game.

But Lohaus couldn't have been on the bench in the 98 playoffs. He was already gone -- traded to the Knicks in 96 with JR Reid for Charles Smith and Monty Williams.

[tmtcsc]

It was actually Mark Bryant. Sorry, I just found it funny that because of the poster here, you got dude's name wrong :lol

I would of done the same thing I reckon :)


Nope it was Marcus Bryant. The same guy that posts here.:lmao
You bet that was a long night. But hey, the Spurs brought you on the team a few years later to try and muscle Shaq..Tough year.


But seriously, if I could point to 1 game that signaled we were headed for the promise land, it was that one. Tim showed how much of a clutch scorer he could be. It was unreal.. You finally got to see what the Spurs had envisioned for David Robinson years before.

David was an outstanding Defensive player and retired as such but he was humble enough to recognize that Tim was the offensive stud on the block. You could tell how much Tim really appreciated and loved Big Dave. He allowed Tim to have no pressure put on his shoulders, allowed Tim to make mistakes and allowed Tim to play PF with someone who had his back and could go to War with.

The closest thing he's had since then is Nazr Muhammad.

[timmydidit]

unfortunately i didnt tape this game.. anyone wanna send:depressed

[Dre_7]

Is this what you are talking about?

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=765672

[timvp]

That was one of my favorite games of all-time. I remember when Duncan had four points at half wondering if he was or wasn't a playoff player. Then he had that monster fourth quarter and it's been on ever since.

:smokin

[Fernando TD21]

Is this what you are talking about?

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=765672
:tu

[Brutalis]

I faintly remember this game and series. 10 years ago... wow.. time goes by so fast and I'm just 23.

[Brutalis]

Checked out that video, and mannn memories hitting me like crazy.

Timmy was so quick, lean, and just flat out quick as hell.

Didn't he hurt his ankle though these playoffs and we lost to the Jazz?

[gospursgojas]

Yeah we lost to the Jazz

[Brutalis]

Yessssss I know I'm asking if Tim hurt his ankle.

[gospursgojas]

Don't remember him hurting his ankle, but I'm like you. I was only 14 at the time.

[MannyIsGod]

He did hurt his ankle that year.

Man, Tim's lost a bit of lift over the years, but the post moves are still there. I wonder how long he can continue to be such a force.

That video is epic. Purely epic. So lucky to have been able to watch this guy play.

[RonMexico]

Remember when Charles Barkley closed down HemisFair?

Now that was epic.

[duncan228]

...and it's been on ever since.


So lucky to have been able to watch this guy play.

:)

It's an honor to be a Duncan fan. He's given us so much and he's done it with heart.

You always know what you're going to get from him, he's all about winning and doing it the right way. He's the ultimate leader and the ultimate teammate.

If he retired today I couldn't ask anything more from him. But I think we're in for more, he's still got a couple of Titles in him. :smokin

[z0sa]

Although Tim's quickness and lift is a bit better, I honestly don't see a huge difference between the Tim of today and that Tim.

[Duncanoypi]

Remember when Charles Barkley closed down HemisFair?

Now that was epic.

Yeah! and then he won a ring right?!:whine

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Awesome vid, thanks for posting it! :toast

To me, watching that Tim on the block is like watching a Ferrari vs a Rolls Royce - back then he was so sleek and quick and precise, these days he's lumbering but strangely graceful, and either way he;ll get you where you want to go more often than not.

[TDfan2007]

I remember the first time I saw that video I was speechless. I couldn't believe a rookie could do that in his 1st ever playoff game.

Looking back though, Tim's touch has definetely taken a hit since then.

TD = the best

[RonMexico]

I remember the first time I saw that video I was speechless. I couldn't believe a rookie could do that in his 1st ever playoff game.

Looking back though, Tim's touch has definetely taken a hit since then.

TD = the best

Yeah, except from 3 point range.

[z0sa]

I'd say his touch isn't gone, hes just thinking more about those shots he just took back then.

[GrandeDavid]

SpursBrazil, great blast from the past post, brother! Voce e gente finissimo!

[MannyIsGod]

Its his lift and a bit of his quickness that is gone. The lift is a huge part of it. Those shots are a lot harder to make when you can't put as much into them from the ground up.

[Spur-Addict]

Its his lift and a bit of his quickness that is gone. The lift is a huge part of it. Those shots are a lot harder to make when you can't put as much into them from the ground up.

BINGO

[slayermin]

Nice video.

I remember I was yelling every time he scored. I was living with family who were not Spurs fans at the time and they thought something was wrong with me.

[RonMexico]

Ironically, Duncan's FT shooting has improved over the years (which I attributed to his lack of lift on FT attempts). He really just can't hit the bank shots with regularity like he did in the past. We saw in the PO's this year that he can still hit the 20 foot jumper near the top of the circle.

[lefty]

Wow.

It's amazing that Kevin Harlan didn't die of a heart attack during that broadcast

[Thomas82]

I remember that like it was yesterday. I wouldn't mind having a copy of the actual game on tape or DVD. I do believe that if Tim didn't sprain his ankle against the Jazz, they would have gotten by them that year.

[tmtcsc]

Although Tim's quickness and lift is a bit better, I honestly don't see a huge difference between the Tim of today and that Tim.

He's a much smarter and efficient player. Partly from experience and partly from necessity.
As good as he was in that game 10 years ago, he put 40 and 15 this year against Phoenix (Including the clutch 3).

For some of you younger fans (now in your 20's), you would get a real kick out of seeing David Robinson play his rookie year. He perfected the spin, alley-oop play with Willie Anderson feeding him the pass. Damn, he was so athletic. Its amazing how well he did considering he didn't put much time in the gym (compared to gym rats like Kobe and MJ).

You think Tyson Chandler and his 2 man game with Paul is good ? David threw down some amazing dunks. Reverse dunks, 360 dunks, alley oop dunks, Baseline driving dunks. He just couldn't hit that outside shot consistently or handle double teams very well in his early years.

[Thomas82]

He's a much smarter and efficient player. Partly from experience and partly from necessity.
As good as he was in that game 10 years ago, he put 40 and 15 this year against Phoenix (Including the clutch 3).

For some of you younger fans (now in your 20's), you would get a real kick out of seeing David Robinson play his rookie year. He perfected the spin, alley-oop play with Willie Anderson feeding him the pass. Damn, he was so athletic. Its amazing how well he did considering he didn't put much time in the gym (compared to gym rats like Kobe and MJ).

You think Tyson Chandler and his 2 man game with Paul is good ? David threw down some amazing dunks. Reverse dunks, 360 dunks, alley oop dunks, Baseline driving dunks. He just couldn't hit that outside shot consistently or handle double teams very well in his early years.

I have to cosign for you on that one. David Robinson was a BAD MAN in his prime. Many people around the NBA felt and still feel like he was never as good as he could have been. I remember hearing that in high school, he actually had to be talked into playing basketball. I was in the 4th grade his rookie year, but I remember it quite well.

[tmtcsc]

I have to cosign for you on that one. David Robinson was a BAD MAN in his prime. Many people around the NBA felt and still feel like he was never as good as he could have been. I remember hearing that in high school, he actually had to be talked into playing basketball. I was in the 4th grade his rookie year, but I remember it quite well.

Most fans remember David's later years when he struggled to make his FT's and didn't dunk very often. He was primarily a defensive force. His back problems were severe but he kept playing and contributing as much as he could.

Its no wonder he'll be a hall of famer. He was way ahead of his time. Although Shaq was dominant in his day, David was faster, could jump higher and was a much better defender.
Did he ever win Defensive player of the year ? He should have. Man, he recovered quick to block shots. He covered for his teammates so well its not funny. Of all the players Tim has played with, I think David meant the most to him. He may not have been "hang out" buddies with him, but he really looked up to him.

It was like, go on Tim, play your game..I'll take the heat if we lose, you just keep getting better and shooting that shot. Damn, I miss the Admiral. I'm so happy that he went out on top, jumping and pumping his fist in the air as the Champion he was and still is.

sniff, sniff...I luv ya man.

[baseline bum]

Damn, I was hoping to see a torrent here or something. :(


Remember when Charles Barkley closed down HemisFair?

Now that was epic.

I have that game on my hard drive.

[CubanSucks]

Wow, The Admiral was truly a beast. I miss him. :depressed

[SCSnare]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BuzDnClCtk - David Robinson Navy Profile

[Thomas82]

Most fans remember David's later years when he struggled to make his FT's and didn't dunk very often. He was primarily a defensive force. His back problems were severe but he kept playing and contributing as much as he could.

Its no wonder he'll be a hall of famer. He was way ahead of his time. Although Shaq was dominant in his day, David was faster, could jump higher and was a much better defender.
Did he ever win Defensive player of the year ? He should have. Man, he recovered quick to block shots. He covered for his teammates so well its not funny. Of all the players Tim has played with, I think David meant the most to him. He may not have been "hang out" buddies with him, but he really looked up to him.

It was like, go on Tim, play your game..I'll take the heat if we lose, you just keep getting better and shooting that shot. Damn, I miss the Admiral. I'm so happy that he went out on top, jumping and pumping his fist in the air as the Champion he was and still is.

sniff, sniff...I luv ya man.

Without a doubt David Robinson was more important to Tim Duncan than anybody else he had ever played with. That was obvious in the 2003-2004 season when Tim had to take over the role of being the leader of the team. That, and Rasho Nesterovic was not David Robinson.

[m33p0]

that game was the first proof what people know as a fact now - duncan owns the suns.

[Thomas82]

that game was the first proof what people know as a fact now - duncan owns the suns.

Always have and always will.

[Appoggiatura]

This is a great post. I remember being at Games 3 and 4. I think in Game 4 was the infamous Avery/Nash "fight" once we were up over 20 points late. Avery was hilarious on KSAT afterwards talking about why he got into it with Nash. As for Kevin Harlan, this video proves why he should be doing the NBA Finals.

[lefty]

Yeah, except from 3 point range.

:lol