Duncan will have his pen ready for LeBron

Duncan will have his pen ready for LeBron


The quote of the day at Spurs practice came courtesy of Tim Duncan.

According to SI.com, a poster of LeBron James dunking over Duncan was displayed in the locker stall of the Cavs superstar before Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals.

"Cool. Maybe I'll get a chance to sign it for him or something," Duncan cracked without breaking a smile.

Duncan's session with the media came after he put in about 15 minutes on the treadmill. And that was on top of a solid, one-hour practice at the team's training facility.

"Just trying to get a workout," Duncan said of the extra running.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich put his players through what Michael Finley termed a "pretty intense" workout.

"We went over a lot of our stuff, a lot of Cleveland's stuff just to mentally get prepared to go to battle and to just try to get everybody on the same page," Finley said.

Watching the practice were family and friends of some of the players. The group of visitors included Manu Ginobili's brother Sebastian "Sepo" Ginobili.

Sepo, 32, is a guard for Deportivo Libertad, a team in the first division of Argentina's pro basketball league. Another Ginobili brother, 35-year-old Leandro, is expected to arrive in San Antonio from Argentina later this week.

"It's always good to have family members here," Manu said. "Of course, I don't get to enjoy them so much because I spend a lot of time resting and thinking about the game and stuff like that. But it's good to have them here because if the games go well, you have somebody to celebrate with. And if they don't go well, there is somebody here to lift you up. So it's always good."

Tony Parker's brother and a few friends were also on hand for the workout. All of the visitors took to the court after practice to shoot baskets while the players met with reporters.

Asked if he interacts much with the Parker and Ginobili entourages, Finley said, "They don't speak English. I don't know what they are talking over there, so I really don't pay much attention to them."

Finley said his mother, Bertha, and the rest of the Finley "clan" are expected to be in town for Game 1 of the Finals on Thursday.

Finley said his mother is thrilled to see her son finally take a turn on the NBA's biggest stage.

"I think she was more excited than me," Finley said. "After the game, she called me about five or six times even before I could even get a call her back. She knows everything I've been through. The times that we lost in the playoffs when I was with Dallas were real hard on me.

"She was happy to see me get a chance in the Finals."

Finley also said he received a call Monday from former Mavericks teammate Dirk Nowitzki. Asked if the league's MVP gave him any tips about playing in the Finals, Finley said, "He talked to me more as a friend than as a guy who has been to the Finals. He said to enjoy it. He said he's rooting for me, to get the ring, things like that."

On Wednesday, the Spurs move to the AT&T Center for practice and interviews.

Other quotes from Tuesday's workout:

• Duncan on playing in his fourth Finals: "You want to get to one. I've been blessed for this to be my fourth. I couldn't have imagined in my wildest dreams that I'd be in four Finals. But we're here and we love our opportunity and we love our chances."

• Duncan on how this Finals is different than the other three: "We've had the toughest road we've had in any of our roads to the Finals. The three teams (Denver, Phoenix and Utah) we went through were some really, really good teams."

• Bruce Bowen on how much film he's watched of James: "I do my due diligence."

• Bowen on how James is different than some of the other prolific scorers he's defended: "He's not a guy that necessarily wants to come out and go for 40 (points). He wants to get his teammates involved. That's a lost art today. A lot of guys only think that the way to get things done at this level is score. When you have somebody that is willing to make that pass at any given moment, it helps that team and it helps build confidence in the players. They understand (James) is the man, but the man has chosen to pass me the ball and I don't want to let the man down."

• Ginobili on whether it's frightening to take a charge on James: "It is, to tell you the truth because of the strength and power he has. But you've got to do what you've got to."

• Ginobili on whether he would like to take a shot at defending James or whether he'd rather leave that unenviable chore to Bowen: "I think it's going to be Bruce mainly. You know he is on the NBA All-Defensive team, so he has to earn it."

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Is this a true dynasty?
It's 11:30 a.m. and the sound of high-priced basketball sneakers squeaking and coaches barking out orders is filling the Spurs practice facility here on Spurs Lane just off Floyd Curl on the North Side.

Practice is expected to last about two hours with interviews with players and coaches to follow. The media room is filling up, but I arrived early enough to get a work spot. I'll set up shop here for the rest of the afternoon and file a detailed report shortly after practice.

In the mean time, I'll leave you with this question: Can the Spurs be a true dynasty without back-to-back titles? I discussed that topic yesterday with my colleague at the Express-News, Tim Griffin, and we agreed that the fact the Spurs haven't repeated as champs during this nine-year run of excellence is one of the biggest reasons they haven't gained the respect they deserve. Three titles in that span is quite an accomplishment, but can they be dubbed one of the league's greatest teams without a repeat?

http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/spursmoment/

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Originally Posted by Spurs Brazil

• Duncan on how this Finals is different than the other three: "We've had the toughest road we've had in any of our roads to the Finals. The three teams (Denver, Phoenix and Utah) we went through were some really, really good teams."


http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/spursmoment/

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Something tells me I'll believe the words of the Man who has been in the battles over Whott(T).

Duncan is great.

I love how Duncan plays it cool.

Sounds like the Spurs are ready. Bring it, Lebron!

I'm sure that sound byte is going to be played a lot. The one about Duncan signing that poster. Duncan is great!

I'm not sure why anyone thinks it's so great to dunk over a guy who's just standing there with his hands up. Duncan was out of position and just tried to make it a little tougher on him. I guess people who don't watch the Spurs think that's how Duncan always plays defense...

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• Duncan on how this Finals is different than the other three: "We've had the toughest road we've had in any of our roads to the Finals. The three teams (Denver, Phoenix and Utah) we went through were some really, really good teams."

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For those of you saying this is the Spurs easiest road ever (WHOTT)...

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"Cool. Maybe I'll get a chance to sign it for him or something," Duncan cracked without breaking a smile.

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Duncan wants this one ...

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Originally Posted by conversekid

Duncan wants this one ...

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Duncan's wanted every one.

And he got them.

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Finley also said he received a call Monday from former Mavericks teammate Dirk Nowitzki. Asked if the league's MVP gave him any tips about playing in the Finals, Finley said, "He talked to me more as a friend than as a guy who has been to the Finals. He said to enjoy it. He said he's rooting for me, to get the ring, things like that."

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why on earth would he want advice from Dirk o nbeing in the finals??? Dude only knows how to choke!

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In the mean time, I'll leave you with this question: Can the Spurs be a true dynasty without back-to-back titles? I discussed that topic yesterday with my colleague at the Express-News, Tim Griffin, and we agreed that the fact the Spurs haven't repeated as champs during this nine-year run of excellence is one of the biggest reasons they haven't gained the respect they deserve. Three titles in that span is quite an accomplishment, but can they be dubbed one of the league's greatest teams without a repeat?

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So basically, if the Spurs won 4 more championships, without back-to-back titles, would that not constitute a dynasty?? give me a break!

:lmao @ Duncan...he's pretty funny.

It's so funny that anyone gives a shit about the dynasty talk. Just enjoy the team's success, guys.

Duncan has had some pretty good one liners this season. I liked that one during the Phoenix series when he was asked if they were playing physical and he said "Did you see the last series?"

Duncan is all business.

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Originally Posted by Obstructed_View

I'm not sure why anyone thinks it's so great to dunk over a guy who's just standing there with his hands up. Duncan was out of position and just tried to make it a little tougher on him. I guess people who don't watch the Spurs think that's how Duncan always plays defense...

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I know.

I bet Lebron gets a couple more on Duncan like that in this series. But I bet Duncan blocks a few as well. I hope Timmy blocks a nasty wannabe dunk by Lebron. :hungry:

The only way to deny the Spurs' place as a dynasty is to define "dynasty" in such a way that it becomes merely semantic.

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Originally Posted by SA210

I know.

I bet Lebron gets a couple more on Duncan like that in this series. But I bet Duncan blocks a few as well. I hope Timmy blocks a nasty wannabe dunk by Lebron. :hungry:

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I won't mind everyone going nuts about it if there's actually some defense played. If James gets any over the next couple of weeks, he's damn sure going to earn them.

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Originally Posted by J.T.

Duncan is all business.

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And his business right now is winning his fourth.

After so much reading on this board today that I have a headache I still don't get why anyone could think the Cavs could actually win this. (Barring injury of course.)

This one is the Spurs to lose and only if they implode will they not win.

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Originally Posted by Spurs Brazil

Finley also said he received a call Monday from former Mavericks teammate Dirk Nowitzki. Asked if the league's MVP gave him any tips about playing in the Finals, Finley said, "He talked to me more as a friend than as a guy who has been to the Finals. He said to enjoy it. He said he's rooting for me, to get the ring, things like that."

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Hmmmm. Is Mav Fan rooting for the Spurs too?

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Originally Posted by Testing

:lmao @ Duncan...he's pretty funny.

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He is.

And his sense of humor is pretty unique.

Morons usually don't get it.

And there are plenty of morons around the league.

It's funny how a few games ago, that Lebron was being criticized. Now he's the heir apparent???

Let's see how he does against a REAL team.

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Originally Posted by BigBeezie

It's funny how a few games ago, that Lebron was being criticized. Now he's the heir apparent???

Let's see how he does against a REAL team.

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What's most amazing to me is that, prior to game 5, the Pistons Cavs series was being mocked as an example of terrible sloppy unwatchable basketball. Somehow everyone just happened to tune in for game five. Now it's being remembered differently.

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Originally Posted by Obstructed_View

What's most amazing to me is that, prior to game 5, the Pistons Cavs series was being mocked as an example of terrible sloppy unwatchable basketball. Somehow everyone just happened to tune in for game five. Now it's being remembered differently.

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Goes to show how many flip floppers are in the media. I don't know what you all thought of that series, but I thought it was very much watchable. Then again, I say that as a Cavs fan.

As soon as the NBA starts giving 3 points for a dunk, and 4 points for a really cool dunk, you'll see Duncan worry about it. Not until then.

The fact that the Cavs were hanging posters from early-season games, before game 6 of the ECF, tells you where they are at as players and as a team. A team that is focused on winning a championship doesn't do that.

:lmao at Tim signing LeBron's poster

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Originally Posted by Spurs Brazil

• Duncan on how this Finals is different than the other three: "We've had the toughest road we've had in any of our roads to the Finals. The three teams (Denver, Phoenix and Utah) we went through were some really, really good teams."

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Originally Posted by Spurs Brazil

Finley said his mother, Bertha, and the rest of the Finley "clan" are expected to be in town for Game 1 of the Finals on Thursday.

Finley said his mother is thrilled to see her son finally take a turn on the NBA's biggest stage.

"I think she was more excited than me," Finley said. "After the game, she called me about five or six times even before I could even get a call her back. She knows everything I've been through. The times that we lost in the playoffs when I was with Dallas were real hard on me.

"She was happy to see me get a chance in the Finals."

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I will cry if Finley is able to get his ring finally.

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Originally Posted by GSH

As soon as the NBA starts giving 3 points for a dunk, and 4 points for a really cool dunk, you'll see Duncan worry about it. Not until then.

The fact that the Cavs were hanging posters from early-season games, before game 6 of the ECF, tells you where they are at as players and as a team. A team that is focused on winning a championship doesn't do that.

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Obviously, LeBron viewed that dunk as a defining one. And he should. It was on one of the best in the league. As a Spurs fan, you obviously don't know how special it was.

You can't question the guy's focus on winning a championship when he was the guy who forced his teammates to chant "championship" from day one no matter how absurd it may sound. LeBron is a leader and if he were all about personal accomplishments, the Cavs wouldn't be where they are right now.

the dunk as defining one

:lmao it was the 1st home game of the regular season. grow up

Duncan has been dunked worse by other players, he then proceeded to eliminate them in the playoffs

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Originally Posted by klx23

Obviously, LeBron viewed that dunk as a defining one. And he should. It was on one of the best in the league. As a Spurs fan, you obviously don't know how special it was.

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It was a great dunk, but it was just two points. Besides, Tim gets dunked on all the time because he plays defense all the time.

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Originally Posted by hater

the dunk as defining one

:lmao it was the 1st home game of the regular season. grow up

Duncan has been dunked worse by other players, he then proceeded to eliminate them in the playoffs

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Wow, a little sensitive are we? Whoever told me that Spurs fans are extra sensitive was right. Come on man. Calm down.

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Originally Posted by Summers

It was a great dunk, but it was just two points. Besides, Tim gets dunked on all the time because he plays defense all the time.

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Right. I completely agree. Tim's one of the best defenders in the league, which is WHY the dunk was what it was.

I'm not here to argue whether or not that dunk was great because obviously, I think it was and some people here do not. Agree to disagree.

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Originally Posted by klx23

Wow, a little sensitive are we? Whoever told me that Spurs fans are extra sensitive was right. Come on man. Calm down.

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nothing wrong w/laughing.

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Originally Posted by Obstructed_View

I'm not sure why anyone thinks it's so great to dunk over a guy who's just standing there with his hands up. Duncan was out of position and just tried to make it a little tougher on him. I guess people who don't watch the Spurs think that's how Duncan always plays defense...

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It's the media that makes a big deal out of it. There's tons of plays like that each week.

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Originally Posted by klx23

Obviously, LeBron viewed that dunk as a defining one. And he should. It was on one of the best in the league. As a Spurs fan, you obviously don't know how special it was.

You can't question the guy's focus on winning a championship when he was the guy who forced his teammates to chant "championship" from day one no matter how absurd it may sound. LeBron is a leader and if he were all about personal accomplishments, the Cavs wouldn't be where they are right now.

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I'm old school. I don't praise dunks over a good team playing team basketball, jumpshots, passes, etc. Dunks don't win championships. I wouldn't even praise a dunk if it was a spurs guy who made it.

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Originally Posted by SpurOutofTownFan

I'm old school. I don't praise dunks over a good team playing team basketball, jumpshots, passes, etc. Dunks don't win championships. I wouldn't even praise a dunk if it was a spurs guy who made it.

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I don't like to generalize, but is that how a lot of Spurs fans are? There's nothing wrong with it. I'm just saying that some fans like star power, while others like pure team play. I like both, but you've got a guy like LeBron on your team, I can't help but hope for games where he just takes over by himself. Thank goodness for game 5.