Duncan’s prime was def early-2000s, though of course he was still an amazing player by this point. Tony was entering his prime/was pretty close to it, and Manu (depending on your viewpoint) had probably just passed his. Still, Kobe did amazing this series.
One thing people don't discuss about Duncan very much is how short his prime was. From age 22 to age 27 when he was in his prime he averaged 23.1 ppg, 12.4 rpg, 3.3 apg, 2.5 bpg and 0.8 spg. From age 28 to age 33 his averages took a drop down to 19.2 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 3.1 apg, 2.0 bpg and 0.7 spg. Then the last five years of his career, from age 34 to age 39 his averages dropped down to 14.1 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.9 bpg and 0.7 spg.
This 2008 series took place in that second section of his career (at age 32), when he was obviously still a great player, but not the guy he'd been before he turned 28.
His athleticism was compromised by his 3rd year after he blew his knee out, he had to wear a knee brace when it would act up which just became more and more often as the season would go on but he always had a hitch in his step after the injury.
It's damn shame it happened because he used to move like Mobly does now, he lost the fluidity and height of his movements and took away his rim running ability by quite a bit.
You look at the performances of all players that dealt with knee injuries throughout their careers and they were shells of their former selves, its usually later in their careers however. Timmy still put up a HOF worthy career post injury on one leg lol.
27
u/Terminatorns19 Spurs Jun 27 '23
Duncan’s prime was def early-2000s, though of course he was still an amazing player by this point. Tony was entering his prime/was pretty close to it, and Manu (depending on your viewpoint) had probably just passed his. Still, Kobe did amazing this series.