3 rare opportunity Tim Duncan started the NBA game on the bench

Tim Duncan must be one of the most underestimated legends ever. Has a The winning record against each team In the NBA and they managed to play 19 season in league with one franchise. And it did, while the average 73 games were played (so much was the team that started loading the load).

Duncan is widely considered one of the greatest players in his position that it should be illegal to start the game with him on the bench. However, in 1,392 games he played, it was three times that actually happened.

1. March 18 March 2004

The first time Duncan came off the bench was during Season Rept Runk 2003-04. In the crucial game against Minnesota Timbervolves to determine the seeding of the playoffs, coach Popovich knew he was efficiently managed by Duncan’s minute. In a shocking milestone, he decided to bring Duncan from the bench. The team player who, Duncan had no problem with that. The match entered six minutes in the first quarter and was currently a factor.

In just 26 minutes Duncan recorded double double of 20 points and 10 rebounds while he had another highest net rating in the team. Spurs would break 20 points win in the process and ended their short double skating.

2. February 17. February 2010

The The next time it happened 17. February 2010 years. Unlike the first time he descended from the bench, Duncan did not drop the injury. In fact, it appeared in Spurs last 24 games. However, they were on the tail back 2 back and played six games in eight days. Instead of risking the possibility of punished, Popovic decided to take Duncan off the bench to limit his minutes.

In 29 minutes, Duncan published a similar standing line until the first time he came off the bench, ends with 21 points and 12 rebounds. This time, still, Spurs entered the loss of five in Toronto Raptors.

3. 19. March 2016

Third and final time Duncan got off the bench It was during his last season in the NBA. 19. Marta 2016. Spurs faced golden state warriors who were on their way to 73-9 seasons.

Seeing that the small ball will cause Duncan to be an obligation to defend, Popovic had a difficult decision on his hands. Not only did Popovich decide to bring Duncan from the bench, but also gave only large basic eight minutes of playing time that he also showed that it was at least a few minutes he played that season. Good news? Popovich strategy was working. They would hand over the warriors only their sixth loss of the season with a win from 87-79.

While the stars Tim Duncan’s Caliber rarely get off the benchHe was always willing to be delayed for the council well in the team. Whether facilitated from injuries, they make energy during the long season or adjustment of game dynamics, Duncan’s rare stintas as a reserve emphasized why one of the most respected data in the NBA history.