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<!--EZCODE UNDERLINE START--><span style="text-decoration:underline"><!--EZCODE BOLD START--><strong>Quick thoughts: Round One, Pop and Tim</strong><!--EZCODE BOLD END--></span><!--EZCODE UNDERLINE END--><br>
<!--EZCODE BOLD START--><strong>Matt Zapata</strong><!--EZCODE BOLD END--><br>
<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--><em>SpursCentral.com staff</em><!--EZCODE ITALIC END--><br>
5/3/03<br>
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What could have been crazier in the first round of this years playoffs: The Suns spreading the Spurs to six games or the predicament the Mavs are now in? Given the history of the regular season series between these two match-ups, surely one would think that the Spurs sent into seven games would stare down the sunny face of an ugly first round elimination. What has transpired however is just the opposite. I don’t think anyone would have thought the one original “bad seed,” would have made such a dramatic turnaround. Or maybe it’s Mavs reeling in a nauseating turn of fortune. The Spurs finally rid of the young and resilient Suns in six, look to get past the Lakers.<br>
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In one of the craziest turns of fortune that I can remember, Gregg Popovich was made to answer a question of “new beginnings” in a late night sports broadcast, when a viewer asked if he had considered seeking new leadership for the team (nudge-nudge, wink-wink), Remarkably, the man whose head was called for after the brutal exit in the playoffs the year prior did what: won Coach of the Year! That’s right, and such high praise for a determined yet humble Nellie at last years exit from the playoffs has turned to low rumblings and resentment towards his coaching style. If not by the pro’s and by the experts, then definitely by some Mav fans for life.<br>
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A small consolation for both Texas teams, though: Had this been the five game series it used to be, round one would have been over long ago. No sixth or seventh game. <br>
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Gee thanks, right?<br>
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Even more far out is Tim Duncan repeating as league MVP. With Pop taking top honors in the coaching spot, we were not quite certain that it wouldn’t be super stud Kevin Garnett taking the MVP trophy home with him, considering his regular season performance and his one man show at the All-Star game in February. With company the likes of Tracy McGrady, Kobe Bryant, and Allen Iverson in the hunt, only one thing was really certain: the top two vote getters would be the closest.<br>
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Not since Jordan has a repeat been accomplished, and David Robinson has been the only other MVP for the Spurs. Frankly, this sets Tim Duncan apart completely from the other superstars. It says so much more about the type of player he is, in what he does for a team and how he leads it. Certainly not the arrogance and not the thug mentality of other superstars crowned MVP, but definitely the work ethic and drive of the last repeat MVP, if not the all-out athleticism. This year’s goal accomplished, not by last minute lobbying from the front office or by proclamation of being the best, but by understanding a role and filling it excellently. Whether it’s banking in game winners or learning to be a “quarterback” Duncan has filled almost every role an MVP has to fill: taking the blame, giving direction, handing out due praise to his teammates and backing the little guys.<br>
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Tim Duncan’s quiet, profound, almost subdued manner, in contrast to all what the NBA stands for, even his style of play, at times prone to error, so human, yet so awesome, is what makes him one of the game’s most valuable assets. <br>
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MVP? Yes. <br>
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MVP twice? Fundamentally sound.<br>
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