Dec. 01--Gregg Popovich gathered the Spurs after they thrashed the Hawks on Saturday night, and the longest-tenured coach in the NBA handed out praise for the effort.
"I said, 'Tony (Parker), Danny (Green), you guys were great on "D," you did a wonderful job,' " Popovich said. "And I walked out of the room and someone said, 'You know, (Tim) Duncan had 18 rebounds and 10 points.' I didn't even notice."
Popovich, who has been Duncan's only head coach during his 19-season career, then paused for effect and deadpanned: "We've been married too long."
The union between coach and future Hall of Fame power forward has been a perfect match, producing five NBA titles with the possibility of another as the Spurs are again among the league elite.
At 39, Duncan continues to defy his age. The two-time NBA MVP (2002 and '03) and 15-time All-Star methodically goes about his business of averaging nearly a double-double and does it in a quiet, dignified way.
In what might have been his final appearance at the United Center should he decide to retire after the season, Duncan had six points and 12 rebounds Monday in the Spurs' 92-89 loss to the Bulls that ended a five-game winning streak. He's averaging 9.8 points and 9.0 boards.
Despite all the hardwood he has traversed since entering the league in 1997 as the No. 1 draft pick out of Wake Forest, Duncan remains among the NBA's top big men. His continued excellence mystifies teammates.
"I've played with him every day for 14 years now, and it's not like I'm shocked because he's been doing it for so long. What is shocking is that he plays every game," guard Manu Ginobili said. "He's 39 and he doesn't stretch a muscle (and) he's never sore. He's never complaining. He just goes out there and plays and competes. He's a remarkable competitor and athlete."
Popovich, who has seen a few players during an NBA coaching career that began in 1996, gushed about Duncan.
"He's a class act," Popovich said. "He's got a lot of character. He loves being with the guys, he loves the game and he really takes care of himself.
"He works at it all summer long, what he takes in his body and what he does with his body. He's consistently doing what he needs to do to maintain it."
ckuc@tribpub.com
