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Duncan struggles
down the stretch

Spurs superstar has 21 points,
15 rebounds but FTs woes continue

Image: Popovich, DuncanAP
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich confers with star Tim Duncan during Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Tuesday. Duncan was unable to carry his team to victory.

“That’s too many, definitely too many,” Popovich said. “A lot of those were hurried, a matter of trying to win quickly, skipping steps. They have got to be good shots. They have got to be open 3s, not hurried 3s or hoping that they are going to fall.”

This was only the third time in 22 games this postseason San Antonio hasn’t hit more 3s than its opponent. The other two were losses.

The Spurs never really seemed in control of this game. Their biggest lead was three and they were ahead for the last time at 66-64 with 3:00 left in the third. It was never even tied after 67, but San Antonio still had a fighting chance — and savvy fans remembered a 19-0 fourth-quarter run in Game 6 two years ago against New Jersey that sealed a championship in another game they failed to dominate over the first three quarters.

But there was no magic this time. Even “Big Shot Bob” Horry had just three points in the fourth quarter.

Now, if the Spurs are to win a second title in three years and third in seven, they’ll have to do it in a Game 7 — something the franchise hasn’t faced since 1990, long before the days of Duncan, Ginobili and Parker. San Antonio last won a Game 7 in 1979, back in the days of George Gervin, Paul Silas and Larry Kenon.

“We play all year to have home court, to have this opportunity,” Duncan said, “so we’re going to come in this building two days from now and do a lot of clean up stuff.”

© 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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