Twice Spurs looked lost. Already because the defending champions were led 3-1 in this 2006 conference semi-final. Then in this Game 7, in the second quarter because the Mavericks had a 20-point lead.
But it is not as easy to eliminate the band of Tim Duncan (63 victories during the 2005/06 season). After a first half totally mastered by Avery Johnson’s men, Gregg Popovich decided to break the rhythm and give the balls to his star interior.
A defensive aid that turns into a ball…
Tim Duncan ends the game with 41 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 blocks and with his presence, his baskets, his free throws or his assists, he will allow the Spurs to be ahead by three points to less than 30 seconds from the end. “He is incredible, impossible to defend”, salute Dirk Nowitzki. “He was fantastic throughout the series. We never found a solution to stop it. »
After an award-winning basket from Manu Ginobili, served by Tim Duncan, the Mavericks are therefore led 104-101. A stop from the Spurs and here they are in the conference final. Dirk Nowitzki is facing Bruce Bowen, he pushes him then overflows him and goes up to the circle. Coming to the aid, Manu Ginobili tries the counter but he commits a fault. The German scores: two points plus the foul, so an opportunity to equalize even though the Spurs would have had their destiny in their hands by letting him score inside…
Obviously, the interior of the Mavericks does not tremble to register the free throw bonus. He even counters Tim Duncan to avoid a loss on the wire next. We’re heading into overtime.
One of the peaks of the magnificent 2006 playoffs
Dallas started the extra five minutes much better with baskets from Josh Howard, Jerry Stackhouse and DeSagana Diop. Tim Duncan, he is tired and misses two shots in a row near the circle less than a minute from the end. The Mavericks are strong on the rebound and end up winning 111-119 on the floor of the Spurs.
“It was a very special series”comment Dirk Nowitzki, the only survivor of the team eliminated by the Spurs in 2003. “We had faith: it was our moment this time to win. »
In the 2006 playoffs which were among the most incredible in history in terms of suspense and twists and turns, this series between the two Texas teams will be remembered. Tim Duncan will even go until speaking of the “best series” in which he participated during his career (at the time).
The 2005 champions are therefore defeated on their floor, and once again miss, after 2000 and 2004 and as in 2008 then 2015, the double. This clearly unnecessary foul by Manu Ginobili on Dirk Nowitzki still haunts San Antonio fans.
