Editing Tim Duncan (section)

===San Antonio Spurs (1997–2016)===

===="Twin Towers" (1997–2003)====
{{further|Twin Towers (San Antonio Spurs)}}
In the 1997 NBA draft, the [[San Antonio Spurs]] drafted Duncan with the first draft pick.<ref name="stats" /> The Spurs were coming off an injury-riddled [[1996–97 NBA season|1996–97 season]]; their best player, [[David Robinson]]—himself a number one draft pick [[1987 NBA draft|in 1987]]—was sidelined for most of the year, and they finished with a 20–62 win–loss record.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/standings/19961997.html|title=1996–97 Standings|work=NBA.com|access-date=April 19, 2007|archive-date=November 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125024632/http://www.nba.com/history/standings/19961997.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[1997–98 NBA season|1997–98 season]], Duncan and Robinson became known as the "[[Twin Towers (San Antonio Spurs)|Twin Towers]]". The duo earned a reputation for their exceptional defense close to the basket.<ref name="jockbio" /> From the beginning, Duncan established himself as a quality player: In his second road game, he grabbed 22 rebounds against [[Chicago Bulls]] [[List of players in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame|Hall-of-Fame]] power forward [[Dennis Rodman]], a multiple rebounding champion and [[NBA Defensive Player of the Year]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Slam Duncan|first=Kevin|last=Kernan|year=2000|page=[https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/47 47]|publisher=Sports Pub |isbn=978-1-58261-179-2|url=https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/47}}</ref> Duncan was voted to the [[1998 NBA All-Star Game]] by coaches. Later, when Duncan played against [[Houston Rockets]] Hall-of-Fame power forward [[Charles Barkley]], Barkley was so impressed he said, "I have seen the future and he wears number 21."<ref>{{cite book|title=Slam Duncan|first=Kevin|last=Kernan|year=2000|page=[https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/13 13]|publisher=Sports Pub |isbn=978-1-58261-179-2|url=https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/13}}</ref> In his rookie season, Duncan lived up to expectations of being the first draft pick, starting in all 82 regular season games, averaging 21.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.5 blocks per game, and earning All-NBA First Team honors.<ref name="stats" /> His defensive contributions ensured that he was chosen for the [[NBA All-Defensive Second Team]] and was also named [[NBA Rookie of the Year]], having won the NBA Rookie of the Month award every single month that season.<ref name="nbabio" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Duncan/Duncan_numbers.html|title=Facts|work=Jockbio.com|access-date=February 20, 2008|archive-date=January 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120116162021/http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Duncan/Duncan_numbers.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Spurs coach [[Gregg Popovich]] lauded Duncan's mental toughness, stating his rookie's "demeanor was singularly remarkable", Duncan always "put things into perspective" and never got "too upbeat or too depressed."<ref>{{cite book|title=Slam Duncan|first=Kevin|last=Kernan|year=2000|page=[https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/25 25]|publisher=Sports Pub |isbn=978-1-58261-179-2|url=https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/25}}</ref> Center Robinson was equally impressed with Duncan: "He's the real thing. I'm proud of his attitude and effort. He gives all the extra effort and work and wants to become a better player."<ref>{{cite book|title=Slam Duncan|first=Kevin|last=Kernan|year=2000|page=[https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/44 44]|publisher=Sports Pub |isbn=978-1-58261-179-2|url=https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/44}}</ref>

The Spurs qualified for the [[1998 NBA playoffs]] as the fifth [[Seed (sports)|seed]], but Duncan had a bad first half in his first playoff game against the [[Phoenix Suns]], causing Suns coach [[Danny Ainge]] to play Duncan with less defensive pressure. The rookie capitalized on this by finishing Game 1 with 32 points and 10 rebounds<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/PHO19980423.html |title=San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns, April 23, 1998 |work=Basketball-reference |access-date=August 30, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001003847/http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/PHO19980423.html |archive-date=October 1, 2007}}</ref> and replicating the performance in Game 2,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/PHO19980425.html |title=San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns, April 25, 1998 |work=Basketball-reference |access-date=August 30, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001043831/http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/PHO19980425.html |archive-date=October 1, 2007}}</ref> contributing to a 3–1 victory over the Suns.<ref name="jockbio"/> However, the Spurs lost in the second round to the eventual Western Conference champions, [[Utah Jazz]].<ref name="jazz98">{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1998.html|title=1998 NBA Playoffs|work=Basketball-reference|access-date=April 19, 2007|archive-date=August 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807235647/http://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1998.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Duncan Cropped.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Duncan at the [[free throw]] line in 2005]]
During the [[lockout (industry)|lockout]]-shortened [[1998–99 NBA season|1998–99 season]], the Spurs started with a lackluster 6–8 record and Popovich came under fire from the press.<ref>{{cite news |last=McDonald |first=Jeff |date=January 13, 2023 |title=San Antonio Spurs: Remembering 50 Years of Epic Wins and Historic moments |url=https://www.expressnews.com/projects/2023/spurs-anniversary/ |work=[[San Antonio Express-News]] |location=[[San Antonio]] |access-date=January 20, 2024 |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118212957/https://www.expressnews.com/projects/2023/spurs-anniversary/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, Duncan and Robinson stood behind their coach and finished the season with a 31–5 run.<ref>{{cite book|title=Slam Duncan|first=Kevin|last=Kernan|year=2000|page=[https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/65 65]|publisher=Sports Pub |isbn=978-1-58261-179-2|url=https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/65}}</ref> The sophomore averaged 21.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.5 blocks in the regular season, making both the [[All-NBA]] and All-Defense First Teams.<ref name="stats"/> In the [[1999 NBA playoffs]], the Spurs defeated the [[Minnesota Timberwolves]] 3–1, swept the [[Los Angeles Lakers]] and the [[Portland Trail Blazers]] 4–0, and defeated the [[Cinderella (sports)|Cinderella]] [[New York Knicks]] 4–1 in the [[1999 NBA Finals|Finals]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/playoffs/19981999.html|title=1999 Playoff Results|work=NBA.com|access-date=April 19, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100411143151/http://www.nba.com/history/playoffs/19981999.html|archive-date=April 11, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> In this series, a large contingent of Virgin Islanders flew over to support their local hero,<ref name="Kernan7376">{{cite book|title=Slam Duncan|first=Kevin|last=Kernan|year=2000|pages=[https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/73 73–76]|publisher=Sports Pub |isbn=978-1-58261-179-2|url=https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/73}}</ref> and were not disappointed. In the first two games, the "Twin Towers" outscored their Knicks counterparts [[Chris Dudley]]/[[Larry Johnson (basketball, born 1969)|Larry Johnson]] with 41 points, 26 rebounds, and nine blocks versus five points, 12 rebounds, and zero blocks.<ref name="Kernan7376"/> After a Game 3 loss in which Duncan was held scoreless in the third quarter and committed three [[turnover (basketball)|turnovers]] in the last quarter, Duncan bounced back with 28 points and 18 rebounds in a Game 4 win,<ref name="Kernan7376"/> and in Game 5, the Spurs protected a 78–77 lead seconds from the end with the ball in the Knicks' possession. [[Double team]]ed by Duncan and Robinson, Knicks [[swingman]] [[Latrell Sprewell]] missed a last-second desperation shot,<ref name="Kernan7376"/> and after closing out the series with a strong 31-point, 9-rebound showing in Game 5, Duncan was named [[NBA Finals MVP|Finals MVP]], bringing San Antonio their first-ever NBA championship.<ref name="firsttitle">{{cite magazine |date=June 28, 1999 |title=Duncan, Robinson lead San Antonio to first NBA title |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/1999/playoffs/news/1999/06/25/spurs_knicks_game5/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130120051700/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/1999/playoffs/news/1999/06/25/spurs_knicks_game5/index.html |archive-date=January 20, 2013 |access-date=April 29, 2007 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}</ref> ''Sports Illustrated'' journalist and retired NBA player [[Alex English]] added: "Duncan came up big each time they went to him with that sweet turnaround jumper off the glass. He was the man tonight [in Game 5]." And Popovich later said to losing coach [[Jeff Van Gundy]]: "I've got Tim and you don't. That's the difference."<ref name="firsttitle"/>

In the [[1999–2000 NBA season|1999–2000 season]], Duncan further cemented his reputation. He averaged 23.2 points, 12.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.2 blocks per game, earning another pair of All-NBA and All-Defense First Team nods.<ref name="stats"/> However, the Spurs had a disappointing postseason. Duncan injured his [[Meniscus (anatomy)|meniscus]] shortly before the end of the regular season and was unable to play in even one postseason game.<ref name="nbabio"/> Consequently, the Spurs were eliminated in the first round of the [[2000 NBA playoffs]], losing 3–1 to the Phoenix Suns.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/playoffs/19992000.html|title=2000 Playoff Results|work=NBA.com|access-date=June 16, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420013344/http://www.nba.com/history/playoffs/19992000.html|archive-date=April 20, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> The following offseason, Duncan nearly joined the [[Orlando Magic]] in free agency, but stayed with the Spurs after Magic coach [[Doc Rivers]] refused to allow Duncan to bring his family to fly on the team plane.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-12-21 |title=Bruce Bowen: Tim Duncan would've left Spurs for Magic in 2000 if Doc Rivers allowed family on flights |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/bruce-bowen-tim-duncan-wouldve-left-spurs-for-magic-in-2000-if-doc-rivers-allowed-family-on-flights |access-date=2025-04-22 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}}</ref>

In the [[2000–01 NBA season|next season]], Duncan averaged 22.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game. He was again named to the All-NBA and All-Defensive First Teams.<ref name="stats"/> In the [[2001 NBA playoffs]], the Spurs eliminated the Timberwolves 3–1, defeated the [[Dallas Mavericks]] 4–1, but then bowed out against the Lakers (led by superstars Shaquille O'Neal and [[Kobe Bryant]]) in four straight games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/playoffs/20002001.html|title=2001 Playoff Results|work=NBA.com|access-date=June 16, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100615070828/http://www.nba.com/history/playoffs/20002001.html|archive-date=June 15, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Sports Illustrated'' described the series as a "[m]erciless mismatch", and Duncan was criticized as "silent when the Spurs need him most".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2001/playoffs/news/2001/05/25/spurs_lakers_ap/|title=Bryant, Shaq keep Lakers rolling past|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=May 2, 2001|access-date=August 24, 2007|archive-date=October 12, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012221401/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2001/playoffs/news/2001/05/25/spurs_lakers_ap/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On the back of two consecutive playoff disappointments, Duncan improved statistically in the [[2001–02 NBA season|2001–02 season]]. He averaged career highs in scoring (25.5 points per game, including a league-leading 764 field goals and 560 attempted free throws) and rebounding (12.7 boards per game, and his accumulated 1,042 boards again led the league), and also averaged 3.7 assists and 2.5 blocks per game, both career highs.<ref name="stats"/> Coupled with another pair of All-NBA and All-Defensive First Team nods, he was named the [[NBA Most Valuable Player Award|league's Most Valuable Player]], joining teammate David Robinson as one of only two Spurs players in history to have earned the honor.<ref>{{cite web|last=Badger|first=T.A.|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/nba/spurs/2002-05-09-duncan-mvp.htm|title=It's official: Duncan captures MVP award|work=[[USA Today]]|date=May 10, 2002|access-date=August 13, 2007|archive-date=December 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111221093023/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nba/spurs/2002-05-09-duncan-mvp.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> On the other hand, Duncan's team struggled with the fact that the aging Robinson was no longer able to sustain his level of performance, and backup center-forward [[Malik Rose]] had to step in more often.<ref name="jockbio"/> In the [[2002 NBA playoffs]], the Spurs were again outmatched by the Lakers. Up against star center O'Neal once more, the Spurs were defeated 4–1 by the eventual champions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/playoffs/20012002.html|title=2002 Playoff Results|work=NBA.com|access-date=June 17, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523130855/http://www.nba.com/history/playoffs/20012002.html|archive-date=May 23, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> Duncan, who managed 34 points and a franchise-high 25 rebounds in Game 5, stated his frustration: "I thought we really had a chance at this series. The Lakers proved to be more than we could handle. Again, we had a (heck) of a run at it. We had opportunities to win games and make it a different series, but that's just the way the ball rolls sometimes."<ref name="lakers2002"/> Nevertheless, NBA.com praised Duncan as "phenomenal" and criticized his supporting cast.<ref name="lakers2002">{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20020514/SASLAL/recap.html|title=Lakers Roll Past Spurs, Eye Clash With Kings|work=NBA.com|date=March 14, 2002|access-date=January 13, 2008|archive-date=March 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330095309/http://www.nba.com/games/20020514/SASLAL/recap.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Spurs White House.jpg|thumb|right|Duncan (middle) and the Spurs at the [[White House]] after winning the [[2003 NBA Finals]]]]
In the [[2002–03 NBA season|2002–03 season]], the Spurs began play at the [[SBC Center]] on November 1 by defeating the [[Toronto Raptors]] 91–72. In that game, Duncan recorded 22 points, 15 rebounds and 3 blocks for the Spurs.<ref name="databasebasketball.com">{{cite web|url=http://databasebasketball.com/teams/boxscore.htm?yr=2002&b=20021101&tm=SAS |title=Game Story |publisher=databasebasketball.com |access-date=May 19, 2009 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708233730/http://databasebasketball.com/teams/boxscore.htm?yr=2002&b=20021101&tm=SAS |archive-date=July 8, 2011}}</ref> He averaged 23.3 points, a career-high 12.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.9 blocks per game, and earned All-NBA and All-Defensive First Team recognition, resulting in his second NBA Most Valuable Player Award.<ref name="stats"/><ref name="jockbio"/> At age 37, Robinson had announced that the season would be his last; his playing time was cut by coach Popovich to save his energy for the playoffs.<ref name="jockbio"/> The Spurs qualified easily for [[2003 NBA Playoffs|the playoffs]], concluding the regular season as the Western Conference's number one seed with a 60–22 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/standings/20022003.html|title=2002–03 Standings|work=NBA.com|access-date=August 28, 2007|archive-date=May 23, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523134756/http://www.nba.com/history/standings/20022003.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the Western Conference Semifinals against the Lakers, Duncan dominated forward [[Robert Horry]]<ref name="lakers2003">{{cite web |date=May 15, 2003 |title=Spurs, Tim, Dunk Lakers, Head to Conference Finals |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20030515/SASLAL/recap.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030602205100/http://www.nba.com/games/20030515/SASLAL/recap.html |archive-date=June 2, 2003 |access-date=June 17, 2007 |work=NBA.com}}</ref> and closed out the series in style; Duncan finished Game 6 with 37 points and 16 rebounds.<ref name="lakers2003"/> The Spurs made it to the [[2003 NBA Finals|finals]], and defeated the [[New Jersey Nets]] 88–77 in Game 6 to win another NBA championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/playoffs/20022003.html|title=2003 Playoff Results|work=NBA.com|access-date=June 16, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523142703/http://www.nba.com/history/playoffs/20022003.html|archive-date=May 23, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> Helped by an inspired Robinson, Duncan almost recorded a [[quadruple double]] in the final game,<ref name="williams">{{cite web|last=Williams|first=Bryan|url=http://www.nba.com/finals2003/game6_030615.html|title=Feels Like the First Time|work=NBA.com|date=June 15, 2003|access-date=August 21, 2007|archive-date=September 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918123743/http://www.nba.com/finals2003/game6_030615.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and was named the NBA Finals MVP.<ref name="nbabio"/> Following this successful Spurs campaign, Robinson and Duncan were named ''Sports Illustrated''{{'}}s 2003 "[[Sportsman of the Year|Sportsmen of the Year]]".<ref name="x931">{{cite web | last=McCallum | first=Jack | title=Twice Blessed Drafted No. 1 by the Spurs a decade apart, David Robinson and Tim Duncan led the franchise to a second NBA title in five years while making ever greater contributions to the Alamo City | website=Sports Illustrated Vault | date=2003-12-15 | url=https://vault.si.com/vault/2003/12/15/twice-blessed-drafted-no-1-by-the-spurs-a-decade-apart-david-robinson-and-tim-duncan-led-the-franchise-to-a-second-nba-title-in-five-years-while-making-ever-greater-contributions-to-the-alamo-city | access-date=2024-07-29}}</ref>

====Leader of the Spurs (2003–2007)====
[[File:Duncan Wallace.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Duncan backing down [[Ben Wallace (basketball)|Ben Wallace]] in a 2005 game]]
On July 16, 2003, Duncan signed a seven-year, $122 million contract with the Spurs.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 16, 2003 |title=Duncan agrees to seven-year deal with Spurs |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/2003/0716/1581549.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619030542/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/2003/0716/1581549.html |archive-date=June 19, 2020 |access-date=October 22, 2021 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Before the [[2003–04 NBA season|2003–04 season]] began, the Spurs lost their perennial captain David Robinson to retirement. Embracing the lone team leader role, Duncan led a reformed Spurs team which included [[Slovenia]]n center [[Rasho Nesterović]], defensive stalwart [[Bruce Bowen]], Argentinian shooting guard [[Manu Ginóbili]] and young French point guard [[Tony Parker]]. Coming off the bench were clutch shooting power forward [[Robert Horry]], versatile [[Hedo Türkoğlu]] and veterans Malik Rose and [[Kevin Willis]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2003-04 San Antonio Spurs Roster and Stats |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SAS/2004.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329013851/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SAS/2004.html |archive-date=March 29, 2020 |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In retrospect, Robinson commented that at first, Duncan was reluctant to step into the void, still needing some time to truly develop his leadership skills.<ref name="espn2007finals">{{Cite web |last=Stein |first=Marc |date=June 18, 2007 |title=Duncan says his fourth ring finest of all |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2007/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&id=2905018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630071301/https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2007/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&id=2905018 |archive-date=June 30, 2020 |access-date=June 30, 2020 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Statistically though, Duncan remained strong; after another convincing season with averages of 22.3 points, 12.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.7 blocks,<ref name="stats"/> he led the Spurs into the [[2004 NBA Playoffs|Western Conference Semifinals]]. There, they met the Los Angeles Lakers again, split the series 2–2, and in Game 5, Duncan made a toughly defended jump shot which put the Spurs ahead by one point with 0.4 seconds left to play. Despite the little time remaining, Lakers point guard [[Derek Fisher]] hit a [[buzzer beater]], giving his team the win.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 13, 2004 |title=Spurs file protest, say clock was 'late' |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=240513024 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211081823/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=240513024 |archive-date=December 11, 2019 |access-date=June 30, 2020 |work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=240513024|title=Box Score: Lakers at Spurs 74–73|work=ESPN|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|date=May 13, 2004|access-date=June 30, 2020|archive-date=June 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630071304/https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=240513024|url-status=live}}</ref> In the end, the Spurs lost the series 4–2, and Duncan attributed the strong Lakers defense as one of the reasons for the loss.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 15, 2004 |title=L.A. awaits Wolves-Kings winner |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=240515013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211082346/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=240515013 |archive-date=December 11, 2019 |access-date=June 30, 2020 |work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref>

Duncan and his Spurs looked to re-assert themselves in the next [[2004–05 NBA season|2004–05 season]]. Despite their new captain's slight statistical slump (20.3 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.6 blocks per game),<ref name="stats"/> the Spurs won the second seed for the [[2005 NBA playoffs]] by winning 59 games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/standings/2004/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Div.html|title=2004–05 Standings|work=NBA.com|access-date=September 6, 2007|archive-date=September 5, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070905155736/http://www.nba.com/standings/2004/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Div.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the first round, the Spurs eliminated the [[Denver Nuggets]] four games to one, and met the [[Seattle SuperSonics]] in the semi-finals. After splitting the first four games, Duncan led his team to two decisive victories,<ref name="jockbio"/> setting up a meeting with the [[Phoenix Suns]], known for their up-tempo basketball. The Spurs managed to beat the Suns at their own game, defeating them 4–1<ref name="jockbio"/> and earning a spot in the [[2005 NBA Finals]] against the [[Detroit Pistons]]. In the Finals, Duncan was pitted against Detroit's defensively strong frontcourt anchored by multiple [[NBA Defensive Player of the Year]] [[Ben Wallace (basketball)|Ben Wallace]]. After two convincing Game 1 and 2 wins for the Spurs, the Pistons [[double team]]ed Duncan and forced him to play further from the basket.<ref name="jockbio"/> Detroit won the next two games and the series was eventually tied at 3–3, but Duncan was instrumental in Game 7, recording 25 points and 11 rebounds as the Spurs defeated the Pistons.<ref name="dethrone">{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20050623/DETSAS/recap.html |title=Spurs Dethrone Pistons To Take Third NBA Title |work=NBA.com |date=June 23, 2005 |access-date=April 20, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090219212308/http://www.nba.com/games/20050623/DETSAS/recap.html |archive-date=February 19, 2009}}</ref> NBA.com reported that "with his unique multidimensional talent, Duncan depleted and dissected the Pistons... He was the fulcrum of virtually every key play down the stretch", and coach Popovich added: "[Duncan's] complete game is so sound, so fundamental, so unnoticed at times, because if he didn't score, people think, 'Well, he didn't do anything'. But he was incredible and he was the force that got it done for us."<ref name="dethrone"/> Pistons center Ben Wallace remarked: "He put his team on his shoulders and carried them to a championship. That's what the great players do."<ref name="dethrone"/> Duncan won his third NBA Finals MVP Award, joining [[Michael Jordan]], Shaquille O'Neal, and [[Magic Johnson]] as the only players in NBA history to win it three times.<ref name="nbabio"/>

[[File:TD shooting over Andrew Bynum.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Duncan going up for a shot over the [[Los Angeles Lakers|Lakers]]' [[Andrew Bynum]]]]
During the [[2005–06 NBA season|2005–06 season]], Duncan suffered from [[plantar fasciitis]] for most of the season,<ref>{{cite web|last=Allen|first=Marque|url=http://www.nba.com/spurs/doc/prognosis_060313.html|title=Prognosis Spurs: Plantar Fasciitis|work=NBA.com|date=March 13, 2006|access-date=August 12, 2007|archive-date=January 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111020531/http://www.nba.com/spurs/doc/prognosis_060313.html|url-status=live}}</ref> which was at least partly responsible for his sinking output (18.6 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.0 blocks per game), and also for his failure to make the All-NBA First Team after eight consecutive appearances.<ref name="stats"/> The big man came back strong in the [[2006 NBA playoffs]] against the Dallas Mavericks, where he outscored rival power forward [[Dirk Nowitzki]] 32.2 to 27.1 points, with neither Nowitzki nor Mavericks center [[Erick Dampier]] able to stop Duncan with their man-to-man defense.<ref name="damp">{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20060522/DALSAS/recap.html|title=Nowitzki, Mavericks Outlast and Dethrone Spurs|work=NBA.com|date=May 22, 2006|access-date=May 22, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100321160024/http://www.nba.com/games/20060522/DALSAS/recap.html|archive-date=March 21, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> But after splitting the first six games, Duncan became the tragic hero of his team in Game 7. Despite scoring 39 points in regulation time and fouling out both Dampier and [[Keith Van Horn]], Duncan only made one of seven field goal attempts in overtime against Mavericks reserve center [[DeSagana Diop]], and the Spurs lost Game 7.<ref name="damp"/>

The [[2006–07 NBA season|following season]], however, was another championship year for Duncan and the Spurs. Duncan averaged 20.0 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.4 blocks per game in the regular season,<ref name="stats"/> and was selected as a Western Conference starter for the [[2007 NBA All-Star Game]], his ninth appearance in the event. In [[2007 NBA Playoffs|the playoffs]], he led the Spurs to a 4–1 series win over the Denver Nuggets in the opening round of the 2007 NBA Playoffs, a 4–2 win over the Phoenix Suns in the second round, and a 4–1 win against the [[Utah Jazz]] in the Western Conference Finals, setting up a meeting with the [[Cleveland Cavaliers]] in [[2007 NBA Finals|the Finals]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/playoffs2007/series/index.html|title=At a Glance 2007|work=NBA.com|date=June 14, 2007|access-date=October 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123045352/http://www.nba.com/playoffs2007/series/index.html|archive-date=January 23, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> There, the Spurs swept the Cavaliers 4–0, earning Duncan his and San Antonio's fourth ever championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/finals2007/series/index.html|title=Parker, Spurs Close Out Cavs for Fourth Title|work=NBA.com|date=June 15, 2007|access-date=June 15, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111015439/http://www.nba.com/finals2007/series/index.html|archive-date=January 11, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Duncan proclaimed that that championship was "the best" of his four championships; however, he also acknowledged he played "sub-par" and thus received only one vote for NBA Finals MVP from a panel of ten.<ref name="espn2007finals" /> His colleagues were more appreciative of Duncan; among others, ex-teammate David Robinson referred to the Spurs titles as the "Tim Duncan era", and lauded his leadership. Coach Popovich also praised Duncan: "Tim is the common denominator. He's [had] a different cast around him [in] '99, '03 and '05. He's welcomed them all. ... But he is that easy to play with, and his skills are so fundamentally sound that other people can fit in."<ref name="espn2007finals" /> Then-NBA commissioner [[David Stern]] added: "[Duncan] is a player for the ages. I'm a tennis fan, and [[Pete Sampras]] is one of the greats. OK, he wasn't [[Andre Agassi]] or [[John McEnroe]]. He just happens to be one of the greatest players of all time. You take great players as you find them."<ref name="espn2007finals" />

====Playoff disappointments (2007–2013)====
During the [[2008 NBA All-Star Weekend]], Duncan was a member of the San Antonio team that won the [[NBA All-Star Weekend Shooting Stars Competition|Shooting Stars Competition]].<ref>{{cite web|title=NBA All-Star Shooting Stars Winners|date=August 24, 2017|website=NBA.com|url=http://www.nba.com/history/all-star/shooting-stars#/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224155543/http://www.nba.com/history/all-star/shooting-stars|archive-date=February 24, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> For the season, he played 78 games and posted his typical 20/10 numbers,<ref name="nbastat">{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/playerfile/tim_duncan/career_stats.html |title=Tim Duncan&nbsp;– Career Stats and Totals |work=NBA.com |access-date=September 29, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013114615/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/tim_duncan/career_stats.html |archive-date=October 13, 2014}}</ref> San Antonio concluded the [[2007–08 NBA season|2007–08]] regular season with a 56–26 record, finishing behind the Lakers and [[New Orleans Hornets]] in the Western Conference and setting up themselves for a first-round contest against the Suns. The Suns—defeated by the Spurs in three of the past four seasons of playoffs—were out for revenge and featured a new player in four-time NBA champion Shaquille O'Neal. In Game 1, Duncan set the tone with a 40-point game and a rare [[three-pointer]] that sent the game into double overtime.<ref>{{cite web|last=White|first=Elizabeth|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20080419/PHXSAS/recap.html|title=Duncan Scores 40 to Lead Spurs to Game 1 Win Over Suns|work=NBA.com|date=April 19, 2008|access-date=May 1, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111110222/http://www.nba.com/games/20080419/PHXSAS/recap.html|archive-date=January 11, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> The trio of Duncan, Ginóbili and Parker continued playing to form for the remainder of the series, and the Spurs eliminated the Suns in five games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/playoffs2008/series/series_w1s3.html|title=Spurs KO Rattled Suns to Close Out Series|work=NBA.com|date=April 30, 2008|access-date=May 1, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430130731/http://www.nba.com/playoffs2008/series/series_w1s3.html|archive-date=April 30, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the first game of the next round against the [[Chris Paul]]-led Hornets, San Antonio was badly defeated 101–82 as Duncan played one of the worst playoff games in his career, recording only 5 points and 3 rebounds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20080503/SASNOH/recap.html|title=West, Hornets Sting Spurs in Game 1|work=NBA.com|date=May 4, 2008|access-date=May 5, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111110227/http://www.nba.com/games/20080503/SASNOH/recap.html|archive-date=January 11, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Spurs dropped the next game as well, but recovered in Games 3 and 4, with Duncan putting up a team-high 22 point/15 rebound/4 block performance in the game that tied the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20080511/NOHSAS/boxscore.html|title=Hornets at Spurs Game Info|work=NBA.com|date=May 11, 2008|access-date=May 12, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111120803/http://www.nba.com/games/20080511/NOHSAS/boxscore.html|archive-date=January 11, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Duncan then recorded 20 points and 15 rebounds in Game 6,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280515024|title=Ginobili, Duncan dominate as Spurs force Game 7|work=ESPN|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|date=May 15, 2008|access-date=June 30, 2020|archive-date=June 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630071305/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280515024|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the Spurs relied on their experience to seal the series in Game 7.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280519003|title=Spurs outlast youthful Hornets, win Game 7 to advance to conference finals|work=ESPN|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|date=May 19, 2008|access-date=May 26, 2008|archive-date=October 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021005209/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280519003|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, arch-rivals [[Los Angeles Lakers]] defeated San Antonio in five games in the Conference Finals, and the Spurs once again failed to capture back-to-back NBA championships.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20080529/SASLAL/recap.html|title=Bryant Leads Lakers past Spurs, into NBA Finals|work=NBA.com|date=May 29, 2008|access-date=June 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111120807/http://www.nba.com/games/20080529/SASLAL/recap.html|archive-date=January 11, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Tim duncan vs wizards 2009 cropped.jpg|thumb|left|Duncan with the ball in 2009]]
Duncan started the [[2008–09 NBA season|2008–09 season]] with strong showings in points and rebounds per game. However, by mid-season, his performance declined and he was subsequently diagnosed with chronic knee [[tendinosis]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3934515|title=Duncan out with quad tendinosis|work=ESPN|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|date=July 18, 2009|access-date=June 30, 2020|archive-date=June 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630071259/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3934515|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite Duncan having problems with his knee and the team losing the services of shooting guard Ginóbili for most of the season, San Antonio qualified for [[2009 NBA Playoffs|the playoffs]] as the third seed with a 54–28 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2009.html|title=2008–09 NBA Season Summary|publisher=Basketball-reference|access-date=April 16, 2009|archive-date=June 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604203051/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2009.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="2009pred">{{cite web|last=Hollinger|first=John|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2009/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=PERDiem-090417|title=PER Diem: April 17, 2009|work=ESPN|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|date=April 17, 2009|access-date=June 20, 2020|archive-date=October 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022012220/https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2009/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=PERDiem-090417|url-status=live}}</ref> Coupled with an aging supporting cast (Bowen, [[Michael Finley]] and [[Kurt Thomas (basketball)|Kurt Thomas]] were all in their late 30s), however, the Spurs were only considered fringe contenders for the championship.<ref name="2009pred"/> As it turned out, Duncan and Parker were not enough to help the Spurs avoid a 4–1 defeat by Dallas, and the Spurs were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 2000.<ref>{{cite web|last=Weber|first=Paul|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20090428/DALSAS/recap.html|title=Mavericks oust Spurs from playoffs with 106–93 win|work=NBA.com|date=April 29, 2009|access-date=April 29, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111101309/http://www.nba.com/games/20090428/DALSAS/recap.html|archive-date=January 11, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

With the Spurs looking to provide a more solid supporting cast in the [[2009–10 NBA season|2009–10 season]], they acquired [[Richard Jefferson]], [[Theo Ratliff]], [[Antonio McDyess]], [[DeJuan Blair]], and [[Keith Bogans]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 23, 2009 |title=Bogans to join 5th team in 7 seasons |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4495600 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630071302/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4495600 |archive-date=June 30, 2020 |access-date=June 30, 2020 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures}}</ref> The team got off to a 5–6 start, but a series of double-double performances by Duncan gave them a 9–6 record by the end of November. Duncan was subsequently named the Western Conference Player of the Week for the last week of November.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/tim_duncan_potw_091130.html|title=Tim Duncan Named Player Of The Week|work=NBA.com|date=November 30, 2009|access-date=December 4, 2009|archive-date=January 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111171822/http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/tim_duncan_potw_091130.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Even at 34 years of age, he remained a constant 20–10 threat, being only one of three players in the league at the mid-season to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds a game. On January 21, 2010, Duncan was named as the starting forward for the West for the 2010 NBA All-Star Game.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/allstar2010/news/story?id=4846991|title=All-Star starters announced Thursday|publisher=ESPN|date=January 21, 2010|access-date=June 30, 2020|archive-date=August 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801181836/https://www.espn.com/nba/allstar2010/news/story?id=4846991|url-status=live}}</ref> After securing yet another 50-win season,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jochnau |first=Garrett |date=April 5, 2013 |title=Celebrating 14 San Antonio Spurs 50-Win Seasons and Counting |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1593539-celebrating-14-san-antonio-spurs-50-win-seasons-and-counting |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922183819/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1593539-celebrating-14-san-antonio-spurs-50-win-seasons-and-counting |archive-date=September 22, 2019 |access-date=September 22, 2019 |website=Bleacher Report}}</ref> the Spurs qualified for the [[2010 NBA Playoffs|playoffs]] as the seventh seed, and defeated Dallas 4–2 in the first round, only to lose 4–0 to Phoenix in the next round.<ref>{{cite web|title=2010 NBA Playoffs Summary|website=Basketball-reference|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2010.html|access-date=September 22, 2019|archive-date=June 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622072749/http://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2010.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Eleven games into the [[2010–11 NBA season|2010–11 season]], Duncan became the Spurs' all-time leader in points scored and games played.<ref>{{cite web|last=Aragon|first=Andrew|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20101119/SASUTA/gameinfo.html|title=Jazz-Spurs notebook|work=NBA.com|date=November 20, 2010|access-date=November 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123131234/http://www.nba.com/games/20101119/SASUTA/gameinfo.html|archive-date=January 23, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Along the way, the Spurs compiled a 12-game winning streak to go 13–2 after 15 games. On November 30, 2010, Duncan recorded his third career [[triple-double]] against the [[Golden State Warriors]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=301130009|title=Tim Duncan's 15–18–11 leads Spurs to rout of Warriors|work=ESPN|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|date=November 30, 2010|access-date=June 30, 2020|archive-date=June 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630071301/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=301130009|url-status=dead}}</ref> 12 days later, in a game against the [[Portland Trail Blazers]], Duncan became the [[List of National Basketball Association career games played leaders|94th player in NBA history to play 1,000 games]]. Through his 1,000th game, the Spurs have been 707–293; only [[Scottie Pippen]] (715–285) had a better record with his team through his first 1,000 games.<ref>{{cite web|last=Monroe|first=Mike|url=http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/12/12/duncan%E2%80%99s-1000th-game-brings-707th-win/|title=Duncan's 1,000th game brings 707th win|publisher=blog.mysanantonio.com|date=December 12, 2010|access-date=December 13, 2010|archive-date=January 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111141138/http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/12/12/duncan%E2%80%99s-1000th-game-brings-707th-win/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Spurs were 29–4 after 33 games—one of the ten best starts in NBA history<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=310101024|title=Spurs turn up D to stymie Kevin Durant, Thunder in romp|work=ESPN|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|date=January 1, 2011|access-date=June 30, 2020|archive-date=July 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703105600/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=310101024|url-status=dead}}</ref>–and led the league at 35–6 halfway through the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/reportcard/midseason/2011/spurs/?ls=iref:nbahpt1|title=San Antonio Spurs Report Card|work=NBA.com|access-date=January 20, 2011|archive-date=January 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110122055512/http://www.nba.com/reportcard/midseason/2011/spurs/?ls=iref:nbahpt1|url-status=live}}</ref> Although Duncan produced career lows in points and rebounds per game, the Spurs ended the regular season as the first seed in the West for the [[2011 NBA playoffs]], and were second in the league (to Chicago). Despite finishing with a 61–21 record, however, the Spurs could not avoid being upset in the first round, 4–2, by the eighth-seeded [[Memphis Grizzlies]].{{cn|date=February 2025}}

[[File:Tim Duncan All-Star 2011.jpg|alt=Duncan in a red shirt|thumb|upright|left|Duncan as an All-Star for the West in 2011]]
The Spurs again finished the [[2011–12 NBA season|2011–12 season]] as the number one seed in the West—it was a lockout-shortened 66-game season—tying with the Chicago Bulls for a league-best 50–16 record.<ref>{{cite web|title=2011–12 NBA Season Summary|work=Basketball-reference|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2012.html|access-date=May 21, 2023|archive-date=February 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212070926/https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2012.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Prior to a game against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 24, 2012, head coach Gregg Popovich decided to give Duncan a night off by listing him on the official scorecard as "DNP-OLD", poking fun at his 36-year-old body.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dwyer|first=Kelly|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/tim-duncan-missed-sunday-night-spurs-game-because-081218158.html|title=Tim Duncan missed Sunday night's Spurs game because he's 'old,' officially|work=Yahoo.com|publisher=Yahoo Inc.|date=March 26, 2012|access-date=May 4, 2012|archive-date=March 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312142740/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/tim-duncan-missed-sunday-night-spurs-game-because-081218158.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Overall, Duncan's numbers remained at par with the previous season. The triumvirate of Duncan-Parker-Ginóbili entered the [[2012 NBA playoffs]] well-rested and healthy, and the Spurs swept the Utah Jazz and the Los Angeles Clippers 4–0 in the first two rounds. On May 31, 2012, in the third game of the Western Conference Finals against the [[Oklahoma City Thunder]], Duncan set the record for most career blocks in playoffs history, surpassing [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]]. The Spurs' playoff run came to an end when the Thunder defeated them 4–2.{{cn|date=February 2025}}

On July 11, 2012, Duncan agreed to re-sign with the Spurs. Helped by a supporting cast comprising [[Danny Green (basketball)|Danny Green]], [[Tiago Splitter]], [[Gary Neal]] and [[Kawhi Leonard]] that had been maturing steadily over the last two seasons, Duncan and the Spurs would again make the [[2013 NBA Playoffs|playoffs]] with a 58–24 regular season record. Duncan also returned to the All-Star line-up and was named to the All-NBA First Team. He finished the regular season with 23,785 career points, which broke [[George Gervin]]'s record for most points in a Spurs uniform (23,602). In the playoffs, the Spurs swept the Los Angeles Lakers, beat Golden State in six games and defeated the Memphis Grizzlies in the Western Conference Finals in a 4–0 sweep to reach the NBA Finals. In Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals, Duncan recorded his 500th playoff block, becoming the first player in NBA history to reach that milestone, although the NBA did not track blocks prior to the 1973–74 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Favale |first=Dan |date=May 22, 2013 |title=Tim Duncan Becomes 1st Player in NBA History to Record 500 Playoff Blocks |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1648046-tim-duncan-becomes-first-player-in-nba-history-to-record-500-playoff-blocks |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611151449/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1648046-tim-duncan-becomes-first-player-in-nba-history-to-record-500-playoff-blocks |archive-date=June 11, 2013 |access-date=May 22, 2013 |website=Bleacher Report}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/120711_spurs_sign_tim_duncan|title=Spurs Re-sign Tim Duncan|work=NBA.com|date=July 11, 2012|access-date=April 21, 2013|archive-date=November 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113212011/http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/120711_spurs_sign_tim_duncan|url-status=live}}</ref> The Spurs met defending NBA champions [[Miami Heat]] in the [[2013 NBA Finals|NBA Finals]] in a tightly contested series. Miami had home court advantage, but San Antonio took the first game and headed into game 6 with a 3–2 lead. In that game, Duncan scored 25 points in the first half,<ref>{{cite news|first=Beckley|last=Mason|title=Spurs Stick to the Plan, With Devastating Results|date=June 19, 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/20/sports/basketball/spurs-stay-with-decisions-that-got-them-to-finals.html|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 23, 2024}}</ref> his biggest haul in a half of an NBA Finals game.{{Cn|date=November 2024}} However, the Spurs lost the game in overtime, and then lost the deciding seventh game.<ref>{{cite news|first=Matthew|last=Tynan|title=Do-Over Week: Leave Tim Duncan in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals?|date=May 7, 2020|work=The Athletic|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1778421/2020/05/07/do-overs-week-leave-tim-duncan-in-game-6-of-the-2013-nba-finals/|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 23, 2024}}</ref>

====Fifth championship (2013–2014)====
On December 2, 2013, Duncan became the oldest player to record a 20–20 game in NBA history, finishing with 23 points, 21 rebounds, and the game-winning jump shot against the [[2013–14 Atlanta Hawks season|Atlanta Hawks]].<ref name="m950">{{cite web | last=DelVecchio | first=Steve | title=Tim Duncan hits game-winner, becomes oldest player to record 20-20 game | website=Larry Brown Sports | date=2013-12-03 | url=https://larrybrownsports.com/basketball/tim-duncan-game-winner-oldest-player-20-20/212642 | access-date=2024-07-29}}</ref> The Spurs went on to conclude the [[2013–14 NBA season|2013–14 regular season]] with a league-best 62 wins.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013-14 NBA Season Summary |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2014.html |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The Spurs defeated Dallas in seven games in the first round of the [[2014 NBA Playoffs|playoffs]], Portland in five games in the conference semifinals, and Oklahoma City in six games, where game 6 went into overtime, as the Spurs won, 112–107.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 NBA Western Conference First Round - Mavericks vs. Spurs |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2014-nba-western-conference-first-round-mavericks-vs-spurs.html |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 NBA Western Conference Semifinals - Trail Blazers vs. Spurs |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2014-nba-western-conference-semifinals-trail-blazers-vs-spurs.html |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 NBA Western Conference Finals - Thunder vs. Spurs |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2014-nba-western-conference-finals-thunder-vs-spurs.html |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> They set up a Finals rematch against the Miami Heat, which they won, 4–1, setting a record margin for a win in the NBA Finals, for games 3 and 4.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 NBA Finals - Heat vs. Spurs |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2014-nba-finals-heat-vs-spurs.html |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Along the way, the Duncan-Ginóbili-Parker trio broke the record for most wins in NBA playoffs history.<ref name="a551">{{cite web | last=Patt | first=Jason | title=Spurs' Big 3 sets NBA playoff record | website=SBNation.com | date=2014-05-22 | url=https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/5/22/5741036/tim-duncan-tony-parker-manu-ginobili-nba-playoff-record-wins | access-date=2024-07-29}}</ref> After winning the Finals in five games, Duncan joined [[John Salley]] as the only players to win a championship in three different decades.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 15, 2014 |title=Spurs shake early deficit to snuff out Heat and win 5th NBA title |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400559378 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140617112010/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400559378 |archive-date=June 17, 2014 |access-date=June 30, 2020 |work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref>

====Late career (2014–2016)====
On June 23, 2014, Duncan exercised his $10.3 million player option for the 2014–15 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/140623_tim_duncan_exercies_player_option|title=Tim Duncan Exercises Player Option|work=NBA.com|date=June 23, 2014|access-date=September 29, 2014|archive-date=September 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924075920/http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/140623_tim_duncan_exercies_player_option|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/11124946|title=Tim Duncan exercises $10.3M option|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|date=June 24, 2014|work=ESPN|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|access-date=June 30, 2020|archive-date=June 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630081533/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/11124946|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 14, 2014, Duncan scored his 25,000th point in the first half of the Spurs' 93–80 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, becoming the 19th player in NBA history to reach the milestone.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20141114/SASLAL/gameinfo.html |title=Spurs rout Lakers 93–80 for 3rd straight win |work=NBA.com |date=November 14, 2014 |access-date=November 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141117070307/http://www.nba.com/games/20141114/SASLAL/gameinfo.html |archive-date=November 17, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On February 19, 2015, he passed [[Alex English]] to move into 16th place on the [[List of National Basketball Association career scoring leaders|NBA's all-time scoring list]] with 30 points against the Los Angeles Clippers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20150219/SASLAC/gameinfo.html |title=Clippers hang on to beat Spurs 119–115 in tight 4th quarter |work=NBA.com |date=February 19, 2015 |access-date=February 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220020334/http://www.nba.com/games/20150219/SASLAC/gameinfo.html |archive-date=February 20, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On March 4, he recorded six rebounds against the Sacramento Kings, breaking his tie with [[Nate Thurmond]] for ninth in career rebounding.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20150304/SACSAS/gameinfo.html |title=Home cooking: Spurs return to their court, beat Kings 112–85 |work=NBA.com |date=March 4, 2015 |access-date=March 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150307042648/http://www.nba.com/games/20150304/SACSAS/gameinfo.html |archive-date=March 7, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Two days later, he recorded three blocks against the Denver Nuggets to surpass [[Patrick Ewing]] for sixth overall in career blocks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20150306/DENSAS/gameinfo.html |title=Leonard and Parker lead Spurs, 120–111 |work=NBA.com |date=March 6, 2015 |access-date=March 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150304164014/http://www.nba.com/games/20150306/DENSAS/gameinfo.html |archive-date=March 4, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On April 12, he played his 1,330th career game against the Phoenix Suns, which passed [[Moses Malone]] for 11th all-time. He also scored 22 points and passed [[Kevin Garnett]] to move into 14th place on the NBA's all-time scoring list.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sportal.com.au/nba/tim-duncan-moses-malone-games-played-kevin-garnett-career-points-nba-history-spurs/xetyg26azr0b1ch1gwgu21vsj |title=Tim Duncan moves up in record books as Spurs beat Suns |work=Sportal.com.au |date=April 13, 2015 |access-date=April 13, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910134227/http://www.sportal.com.au/nba/tim-duncan-moses-malone-games-played-kevin-garnett-career-points-nba-history-spurs/xetyg26azr0b1ch1gwgu21vsj |archive-date=September 10, 2015}}</ref> The Spurs finished sixth in the Western Conference after 82 games and faced the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the playoffs. Their quest for back-to-back championships was ended May 2 as they lost to the Clippers in seven games.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20150502/SASLAC/gameinfo.html |title=Paul lifts Clippers past Spurs, 111–109 in Game 7 |work=NBA.com |date=May 2, 2015 |access-date=May 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150516055641/http://www.nba.com/games/20150502/SASLAC/gameinfo.html |archive-date=May 16, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Duncan was later named to the All-Defensive second team on May 20 for the seventh time in his career.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/2015/news/05/20/2014-15-nba-all-defensive-team-official-release/ |title=Spurs' Leonard, Warriors' Green and Clippers' Jordan make debuts on NBA All-Defensive First Team |work=NBA.com |date=May 20, 2015 |access-date=May 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150523010236/http://www.nba.com/2015/news/05/20/2014-15-nba-all-defensive-team-official-release |archive-date=May 23, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On July 9, 2015, Duncan re-signed with the Spurs to a two-year deal.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nba.com/spurs/spurs-re-sign-tim-duncan|title=Spurs Re-Sign Tim Duncan|work=NBA.com|date=July 9, 2015|access-date=July 14, 2015|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127235454/https://www.nba.com/spurs/spurs-re-sign-tim-duncan|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 2, 2015, in a win over the New York Knicks, Duncan recorded 16 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in his NBA-record 954th victory with one team, surpassing John Stockton's 953 wins with the Utah Jazz.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20151102/SASNYK/gameinfo.html|title=Spurs beat Knicks 94–84, give Duncan milestone win|work=NBA.com|date=November 2, 2015|access-date=November 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105112057/http://www.nba.com/games/20151102/SASNYK/gameinfo.html|archive-date=November 5, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> On November 11, he pulled down the 14,716th rebound of his career against the Portland Trail Blazers to pass [[Robert Parish]] for seventh place on the [[List of National Basketball Association career rebounding leaders|NBA's all-time rebounding list]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Bohlin|first=Michael|url=http://spurs.247sports.com/Bolt/Tim-Duncan-passes-Robert-Parish-on-the-all-time-rebounding-list-41013757|title=Tim Duncan passes Robert Parish on the all-time rebounding list|work=247sports.com|date=November 11, 2015|access-date=November 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151114154009/http://spurs.247sports.com/Bolt/Tim-Duncan-passes-Robert-Parish-on-the-all-time-rebounding-list-41013757|archive-date=November 14, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> On November 14, in a win over the Philadelphia 76ers, Duncan had five blocked shots to become the Spurs' franchise leader with 2,955 blocks, surpassing former teammate David Robinson's career total of 2,954. Duncan also moved into [[List of National Basketball Association career blocks leaders|fifth all-time on the NBA's blocks list]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20151114/PHISAS/gameinfo.html|title=Aldridge's double-double lifts Spurs over 76ers|work=NBA.com|date=November 14, 2015|access-date=November 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151112211834/http://www.nba.com/games/20151114/PHISAS/gameinfo.html|archive-date=November 12, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> After missing the Spurs' last three games of December due to rest and right knee soreness, Duncan returned to action on January 2, 2016, against the Houston Rockets. In his return game, Duncan was held scoreless for the first time in his 19-year career;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20160102/HOUSAS/gameinfo.html|title=Duncan scoreless for 1st time but Spurs beat Rockets 121–103|work=NBA.com|date=January 2, 2016|access-date=January 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105222547/http://www.nba.com/games/20160102/HOUSAS/gameinfo.html|archive-date=January 5, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> giving him the most consecutive games with at least one point, at 1,359.<ref>{{cite web|last=Wright|first=Michael C.|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14489757|title=Tim Duncan held scoreless for first time in 1,360-game career|publisher=ESPN|date=January 2, 2016|access-date=June 30, 2020|archive-date=June 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630200743/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14489757|url-status=live}}</ref> Four days later, Duncan scored a then-season high 18 points in a 123–98 win over the Utah Jazz, helping the Spurs extend its franchise-record home winning streak to 30 straight regular season games dating to 2014–15.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20160106/UTASAS/gameinfo.html|title=Duncan scores 18, Spurs rout Jazz to move to 21–0 at home|work=NBA.com|date=January 6, 2016|access-date=January 6, 2016|archive-date=July 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704130607/http://www.nba.com/games/20160106/UTASAS/gameinfo.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 10, he returned to the starting lineup after missing eight games with a sore knee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20160210/SASORL/gameinfo.html|title=Leonard lifts Spurs to 98–96 win over the Magic|work=NBA.com|date=February 10, 2016|access-date=February 11, 2016|archive-date=February 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213144002/http://www.nba.com/games/20160210/SASORL/gameinfo.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 27, in a win over the Houston Rockets, he became the fifth player in NBA history to reach 3,000 blocks. In addition, with six rebounds in the game, Duncan reached 14,971 for his career, surpassing Karl Malone (14,968) for sixth place in league history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20160227/SASHOU/gameinfo.html|title=Leonard leads Spurs to 50th win, 104–94 over Rockets|work=NBA.com|date=February 27, 2016|access-date=February 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160228104531/http://www.nba.com/games/20160227/SASHOU/gameinfo.html|archive-date=February 28, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> On March 10, Duncan became the sixth player in league history with 15,000 rebounds, completing the feat midway through the first quarter of the Spurs' 109–101 win over the Chicago Bulls.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20160310/CHISAS/gameinfo.html|title=Leonard, Aldridge lead Spurs past Bulls, 109–101|work=NBA.com|date=March 10, 2016|access-date=March 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310195444/http://www.nba.com/games/20160310/CHISAS/gameinfo.html|archive-date=March 10, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> On March 19, he came off the bench for only the third time in his career to counter the smaller lineup of the Golden State Warriors. With a win over the Warriors, the Spurs recorded their 35th straight home win of the season and their 44th straight at home dating to 2014–15, tied for the second-longest streak in NBA history with the 1995–96 Chicago Bulls.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20160319/GSWSAS/gameinfo.html|title=Spurs beat Warriors in showdown, stay perfect at home|work=NBA.com|date=March 19, 2016|access-date=March 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320105105/http://www.nba.com/games/20160319/GSWSAS/gameinfo.html|archive-date=March 20, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> On April 5, in a win over the Utah Jazz, he became the third player with 1,000 victories in the regular season, following [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]] and [[Robert Parish]]. Duncan extended his mark as the NBA's career leader in victories with one team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20160405/SASUTA/gameinfo.html|title=Leonard scores 18, Spurs beat Jazz for Duncan's 1,000th win|work=NBA.com|date=April 5, 2016|access-date=April 6, 2016|archive-date=April 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404060654/http://www.nba.com/games/20160405/SASUTA/gameinfo.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 8, he scored a season-high 21 points in a losing effort to the Denver Nuggets. Having already locked up second seed in the West with a franchise-best record (65–13 prior to Nuggets game), all four of Duncan's starting teammates were rested.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20160408/SASDEN/gameinfo.html|title=Tim Duncan, depleted Spurs fall to Nuggets 102–98|work=NBA.com|date=April 8, 2016|access-date=April 9, 2016|archive-date=April 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410082510/http://www.nba.com/games/20160408/SASDEN/gameinfo.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Spurs went on to lose to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the playoffs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400875656|title=Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook go for 65 as Thunder oust Spurs|publisher=Associated Press|via=ESPN.com|date=May 13, 2016|access-date=January 31, 2025}}</ref>

[[File:Timmy behind.JPG|alt=Duncan from behind on the court|thumb|Duncan's 21 jersey was retired months after he stopped playing.]]
On June 28, 2016, Duncan opted into his $5.6 million contract for the 2016–17 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stein |first=Marc |date=June 28, 2016 |title=Source: Tim Duncan exercises $5.6M option, still mulling future |url=https://www.espn.com.au/nba/story/_/id/16599633 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630174712/https://www.espn.com.au/nba/story/_/id/16599633 |archive-date=June 30, 2020 |access-date=June 30, 2020 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> However, on July 11, 2016, he announced his retirement from the NBA after 19 seasons with San Antonio.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/spurs/tim-duncan-announces-retirement|title=Tim Duncan Announces Retirement|work=NBA.com|date=July 11, 2016|access-date=July 11, 2016|archive-date=January 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118173338/https://www.nba.com/spurs/tim-duncan-announces-retirement/|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2016, coach [[Gregg Popovich]] indicated that Duncan would have a coaching role with the team in the 2016–17 season.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rohlin|first=Melissa|url=http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2016/09/28/popovich-on-td-hes-always-been-tough-to-manage-but-especially-so-now-that-hes-retired/|title=Popovich on Tim Duncan: "He's always been tough to manage, but especially so now that he's retired."|work=MySanAntonio.com|date=September 28, 2016|access-date=September 30, 2016|archive-date=September 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160929141531/http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2016/09/28/popovich-on-td-hes-always-been-tough-to-manage-but-especially-so-now-that-hes-retired/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On December 18, 2016, the Spurs retired Duncan's No. 21 jersey in a postgame ceremony, making him the eighth Spur in franchise history to have his jersey retired.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wright |first=Michael C. |date=December 19, 2016 |title=Spurs raise Tim Duncan's jersey to rafters in emotional ceremony |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/18308889 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701231224/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/18308889 |archive-date=July 1, 2020 |access-date=June 30, 2020 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>