Tim Duncan out for Monday's marquee match vs. Warriors
The San Antonio Spurs will be without their best rim protector when they take on the league's best offense on Monday.
As the team announced Sunday afternoon, Tim Duncan is experiencing soreness in his right knee and the 39-year-old will not play in Monday's clash of the titans against the Golden State Warriors.
Warriors coach and Duncan's former teammate Steve Kerr understood the decision.
Steve Kerr on Duncan sitting out Monday's game: He 'is 57 years old' and needs a day off occasionally.
— Monte Poole (@MontePooleCSN) January 24, 2016
Now playing in his 19th season, Duncan isn't quite the all-consuming offensive force that he once was. However, he remains an elite passer, and ranks as the league's most impactful center by ESPN's Defensive RPM statistic.
Duncan is also chipping in with 8.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and three assists in 25.9 minutes per game.
Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich will likely name his starting center based on matchups. The Warriors love to go small, so someone quicker like Boris Diaw is likely to be selected.