National Basketball Association

Tim Duncan goes without basket for first time in career

Published Mar. 9, 2015 12:26 a.m. ET

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After 1,310 games, Tim Duncan did something he had never done before in the NBA. Or rather something he had never not done.

Apologies for the double negative, but what happened is kind of disconcerting. For the first time in his career, Duncan played a game without scoring a basket.

His San Antonio Spurs defeated the Chicago Bulls on Sunday 116-105, led by Tony Parker's 32 points. Meanwhile, Duncan -- who is averaging over 14 points this season -- contributed three points, all on free throws, going 0-for-8 from the field.

Now, he did have eight rebounds and three assists, and with the game well in hand, the future Hall of Famer, who turns 39 next month, spent the latter stages relaxing on the bench, smiling, apparently unconcerned about his first basket-less appearance.

Who else was unconcerned? Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. Asked jokingly whether he would speak to Duncan about not making a field goal, Popovich, in his typically sardonic style, said:

"I don't talk to Timmy too much anymore. So, if you want to tell him, go ahead. Say, `What the hell was that all about? What are you doing?'"

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

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