“And they have Tim Duncan. Put Tim on our team, and I think we might be a pretty good team.”
–Don Nelson, Golden State Warriors Head Coach

“To me, he’s the most valuable player in this league. Hands down. He’s the ultimate team player (who) goes unnoticed. I mean, yeah, he fills up the stat sheet … but it’s all the other stuff that he does and (doesn’t) allow to happen.”
–Baron Davis, Golden State Warriors Guard

These comments came after San Antonio’s win over Golden State on Saturday night, 112-99.

Janny Hu of the San Francisco Chronicle praised Duncan for playing:

a nearly flawless game with 28 points, 15 rebounds, four blocks and three assists to turn away the Warriors.

It didn’t matter if Al Harrington fronted Duncan or if Andris Biedrins guarded him from behind. The Warriors almost always sent help, and Duncan almost always scored anyway. He was 12-for-17 from the field.

For the record, I had mixed feelings about this win. As glad as I was to see the Spurs win, I’m pulling for the Warriors to grab the 8th seed in the playoffs. (They’re now tied with the Clippers.)

Baron Davis & Co have a decent chance of taking the ‘Ricks to six games. And what’s bad for the Mavs is good for the Spurs.