SAN ANTONIO – Tim Duncan is no longer on the Spurs roster, but his impact is still felt on the team.
Duncan showed up at Spurs practice on Tuesday and was seen talking to LaMarcus Aldridge, a day after San Antonio suffered one of its worst playoff losses in franchise history.
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Aldridge scored only four points in the Spurs’ 126-99 loss to the Houston Rockets. He is averaging a career-low 13.3 points per game in the playoffs.
Duncan has showed up to a handful of practices in his first season of retirement.
He was spotted working out with the Spurs low-post players about a week ago before the Spurs played Memphis in a pivotal Game 5 of the previous series.
Head coach Gregg Popovich has said in the past Duncan’s presence makes everyone feel comfortable and he is a familiar face in the facility.
Duncan could give the Spurs an inspirational lift headed into Wednesday’s Game 2, but he can no longer contribute on the court. It’s up to the current roster.
Tim Duncan at #Spurs practice today, talking to Aldridge after Game 1 loss to #Rockets (Pics via KSAT @markmendez) #KSATnews #KSATSports pic.twitter.com/nhAo5eJPBx
— RJ Marquez (@KSATRJ) May 2, 2017
Aldridge must play better, although the entire team struggled.
The Spurs could not keep pace with the Rockets from the start of Game 1.
Houston made 22 3-pointers in 50 attempts while San Antonio shot only 37 percent from the floor.
The Spurs will get a shot to regroup and even the series Wednesday night in Game 2.
Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m. at the AT&T Center.
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