Tim Duncan: 10 Greatest Postseason Moments

May 22, 2006: Spurs vs. Mavericks
(Western Conference Semifinals, Game 7)

The Spurs and Mavericks were facing off in the postseason for the first time in three seasons. This time around, the Mavs held a 3-1 series lead only to watch the Spurs force a do-or-die Game 7.

Although the Spurs did manage to overcome a 20-point deficit, it was Dirk Nowitzki who would provide the heroics in the series finale.

With the Mavs trailing by two points in the closing seconds of regulation, not only Nowitzki hit the game-tying layup and free throw, but he also had a game-saving block on Duncan to send the game into overtime.

The Mavericks opened the overtime period with a 6-0 on their way to a 119-111 victory. Duncan did all he could to help the Spurs advance, but it wasn’t quite enough.

"“We put ourselves in a position to win the game,” Duncan said via ESPN. “We fought all the way back and in overtime we didn’t have much left in the tank.”"

This series marked the first time that the Mavs ousted a No. 1 seed. It also was the first time Dallas got by San Antonio in the playoffs, after losing in the ’03 conference finals and the second round in 2001.

While the Spurs came up short, it certainly wasn’t due to a lack of effort from The Big Fundamental. Duncan’s final stat line included 41 points, 15 rebounds, six assists and three blocks.

During the memorable seven-game set, Duncan averaged 32.3 points, 11.7 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per contest on 56 percent shooting from the field.

Next: No. 6