Tim Duncan in Great Shape for Playoffs

As he explained his practice of limiting Tim Duncan’s physical load on off days, Popovich leaned on The Wilt Ultimatum.

"He has to be rested," Popovich said. "You can’t beat him up in practice. That wouldn’t be very smart. Like Wilt said: ’Do you want me in the game, or do you want me in practice?’

"The game is the right answer."

Lightening Duncan’s off-day workload has been beneficial this season. Quietly, he is having his best season since he was voted Most Valuable Player in 2003. No longer battling plantar fasciitis in both feet, he has been quicker and more explosive than his past two seasons. [mysanantonio.com]