SPORTS HISTORY IN BLACK: Tim Duncan helps Spurs win NBA Finals

San Antonio Spurs power forward/center Tim Duncan was not the most exciting
basketball player in the NBA during his time. While he may not have been entertaining,
he was very effective, averaging 19 points and 10.8 rebounds per game for his entire
19-year career. Along with his effectiveness in putting up numbers, he was also a
key contributor to establishing a consistent winning culture within the Spurs
organization.

San Antonio Spurs' Tim Duncan (21) goes to the basket as Detroit Pistons' Ben Wallace defends during the second quarter in Game 7 of the NBA Finals in San Antonio on June 23, 2005. Photo credit: Eric Gay, The Associated Press
San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) goes to the basket as Detroit Pistons’ Ben Wallace defends during the second quarter in Game 7 of the NBA Finals in San Antonio on June 23, 2005. Photo credit: Eric Gay, The Associated Press

Over his time in San Antonio, Duncan won five titles and was a key player in the
majority of those title runs. For one title run in particular, though, Duncan was incredibly
effective. Duncan and the Spurs took on the defending NBA champion Detroit Pistons in
the 2005 NBA Finals. The series would go to seven games, with the Spurs winning
Game 7 81-74 on June 23, 2005. Duncan averaged 20.6 points and 14.1 rebounds and
was named the MVP of the NBA Finals.

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