2. Tim Duncan – 2003 NBA Finals MVP
Stats: 24.2 PPG 17.0 RPG 5.3 APG 5.3 BPG 83 DRTG
This stat line seems a little underwhelming this high, but trust me it’s deserving. Duncan matched his 24 PPG with 17 boards as well as having one of the best passing performances for a big man with five assists per night as well.
On top, of the glasswork and passing, this is the greatest defensive performance of all-time. He didn’t just dominate down low against a bunch of nobodies, either.
The Nets had a forward combo of prime Kenyon Martin and Richard Jefferson taking it to the lane as well as Kidd distributing. To put his 83 defensive rating in perspective, the defending DPOY, Kawhi Leonard only had a 96 DRTG. Most of the time the DPOY has a sub 100 or just around it, never below 95.
Duncan, in this series, had below an 85 DRTG. As well as his dominating overall defense, Duncan put up five blocks a night against a very good Nets team.
The reason he isn’t No. 1 is the No. 1 spot was just flat out better.
Next: No. 1