The 2001-02 season was a good one for Tim Duncan and his San Antonio Spurs. By the end of the regular season, he would win the MVP trophy for the first time in his career leading his team to the #2 seed in the Western Conference. However, the Playoffs were another story as they had a tough series against the Seattle Supersonics during the first round then lost in 5 games to the eventual champion L.A. Lakers. But he took that season and got even better for the 2002-03 season.
That season also marked a change for him sneaker-wise as he would join the three-stripes and become a adidas athlete. Maybe it was the shoes. By the end of the 2002-03 season Duncan would win his second consecutive MVP trophy and helped his team become the top seed in the West. First came the Phoenix Suns, victory 4-2. Next round was the defending champion L.A. Lakers. The Spurs got their revenge and won 4-2. The Conference Finals were against the Dallas Mavericks. They won the series 4-2. You see the trend.
When they met the New Jersey Nets in the NBA Finals it seemed like nothing would stop Tim Duncan from capturing another title, but this time being the main man. Going into game 6 and up 3-2 Duncan had the game of a lifetime. Laced up in a pair of adidas a3 Superstar he was ready but his whole team wasn’t. By the end of the first quarter, the Spurs were down by eight points. But they chipped away and went into halftime down by only three. But the 3rd quarter was rough and went into the fourth down by 6 points. But Duncan would not be denied. With the help of a hot Stephen Jackson the Spurs surged ahead in the fourth. By the end of the contest Duncan would score 21 points, grab 20 total rebounds, dish 10 assists and block 8 shots, a near quadruple-double in the Championship clinching game. An MVP trophy, Finals MVP trophy and World Championship, not bad Timmy, not bad.
Nick Engvall
Robbie Falchi
Mike Guillory