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Parker travels to another place, and with a friend

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Target: Tony Parker

FOR SPORTS – Spurs’ Tony Parker loses control of the ball between Thunder’s Kevin Durant (left) and Jeff Green during first half action Monday Oct. 18, 2010 at the ATT Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/eaornelas@express-news.net) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

Sports adv – San Antonio Spurs Tony Parker wipes away blood from a scratch he received during the loss to the Dallas Mavericks, 103-94, Friday, Nov. 26, 2010. BOB OWEN/rowen@express-news.net (BOB OWEN / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

Spurs’ Tony Parker gets blocked by Minnesota Timberwolves’ Michael Beasley (08) at the ATT Center on Friday, Dec. 3, 2010. Spurs defeated the Timberwolves, 107-101. Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net (KIN MAN HUI / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs is fouled by Xavier Henry of the Memphis Grizzlies during first-half NBA action at the ATT Center on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010. BILLY CALZADA / gcalzada@express-news.netMemphis Grizzlies at San Antonio Spurs (BILLY CALZADA / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, left, talks with Spurs’ Tony Parker, of France, during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2010, in San Antonio. (Darren Abate/Special to the Express-News) (Darren Abate / Darren Abate/Special to the Expr)

Spurs’ Tony Parker (09) scrambles to the floor for a loose ball against New York Knicks’ Ronny Turiaf (left) and Shawne Williams in the first half at the ATT Center on Friday, Jan. 21, 2011. Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net (KIN MAN HUI / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker, of France, reacts after turning over the ball in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Friday, Feb. 11, 2011, in Philadelphia. Philadelphia won 77-71. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) (Matt Slocum / AP)

Tony Parker (9) of the San Antonio Spurs is fouled hard by Nick Collison, right, of the Oklahoma City Thunder as Russell Westbrook (0) defends during first-half NBA action at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011. A shoving match ensued after the play, with technical fouls being called. BILLY CALZADA / gcalzada@express-news.netOklahoma City Thunder at San Antonio Spurs (BILLY CALZADA / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

Nick Collison of the Oklahoma City Thunder (4) is held back by an official after he committed a hard foul on Tony Parker (9) of the San Antonio Spurs during first-half NBA action at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011. Antonio McDyess of the Spurs, right, approaches Collison. BILLY CALZADA / gcalzada@express-news.netOklahoma City Thunder at San Antonio Spurs (BILLY CALZADA / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

FOR SPORTS – Spurs’ Tony Parker lies on the floor after being injured against the Grizzlies during first half action Sunday Feb 27, 2011 at the ATT Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/eaornelas@express-news.net) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

Memphis Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol, of Spain, right, and referee Olandis Poole, middle right, watch as San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker, of France, is helped up by Spurs’ Tim Duncan, left, after suffering a left calf injury during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) (Darren Abate / AP)

FOR SPORTS – San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) drives around Miami Heat guard Mike Bibby (0) during first half action Friday March 4, 2011 at the ATT Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/eaornelas@express-news.net) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

Spurs’ Tony Parker (right) attempts to steal the ball against Miami Heat’s Chris Bosh (left) in the first half at the ATT Center on Friday, Mar. 4, 2011. Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net (KIN MAN HUI / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) goes flying after being fouled in the second half at the ATT Center on Friday, Mar. 4, 2011. Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net (KIN MAN HUI / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

SPURS — San Antonio Spurs Tony Parker keeps the loose ball away from Detroit Pistons Greg Monroe in the second half at the ATT Center, Wednesday, March 9, 2011. The Spurs won 111-104. JERRY LARA/glara@express-news.net (JERRY LARA / San Antonio Express-News)

FOR SPORTS – Spurs’ Tony Parker loses control of the ball between Kings defenders during first half action Friday March 11, 2011 at the ATT Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/eaornelas@express-news.net) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

Tony Parker (9) of the San Antonio Spurs reacts to a call against him as the Spurs face the Houston Rockets in the first half of their game on Saturday, March 12, 2011, in Houston, Texas. (George Bridges/MCT) (George Bridges / MCT)

FOR SPORTS – Spurs’ Tony Parker is fouled by Bobcats’ Dante Cunningham during first half action Saturday March 19, 2011 at the ATT Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/eaornelas@express-news.net) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

FOR SPORTS – Spurs’ Tony Parker looks for room between Warriors’ Stephen Curry (left) and Warriors’ Dorell Wright during first half action Monday March 21, 2011 at the ATT Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/eaornelas@express-news.net) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8), from Italy, fouls San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9), from France, as Nuggets center Nene (31), from Brazil, looks on during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 23, 2011, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) (Jack Dempsey / AP)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker, right, towels off during a time out in the second half during their NBA basketball game with the Portland Trail Blazers Friday, March 25, 2011, in Portland, Ore.The Trail Blazers defeated the Spurs 98-96. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) (Rick Bowmer / AP)

SPURS — San Antonio Spurs Tony Parker gets hit in the face by Sacramento Kings Tyreke Evans during the first half at the ATT Center, Wednesday, April 6, 2011. JERRY LARA/glara@express-news.net (JERRY LARA / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9), of France, talks with coach Gregg Popovich, left, during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings, Wednesday, April 6, 2011, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay / AP)

SPURS — San Antonio Spurs Tony Parker loses his balance as Memphis Grizzlies Marc Gasol defends during the second half of game one in the NBA Western Conference First Round at the ATT Center, Sunday, April 17, 2011. The Grizzlies won 101-98.JERRY LARA/glara@express-news.net (JERRY LARA / San Antonio Express-News)

SPURS — San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) reacts after contact near Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) and San Antonio Spurs forward Matt Bonner (15) during the second half of game five of the Western Conference First Round at ATT Center, Wednesday, April 27, 2011. JERRY LARA/glara@express-news.net (JERRY LARA / San Antonio Express-News)

Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) tries to call a timeout while tangled up with San Antonio Spurs forward Richard Jefferson (24) and San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) in Game 5 of the first round of the Western Conference playoff at the ATT Center on Wednesday, April 27, 2011. Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net (KIN MAN HUI / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

Spurs’ Tony Parker looks toward the Spurs bench after getting tripped in the first half against Memphis Grizzlies in Game 6 of the first round of the Western Conference playoff at the FedEx Forum in Memphis on Friday, April 29, 2011. Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net (KIN MAN HUI / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

SPURS — San Antonio Spurs Tony Parker looks down as they go on to lose to the Memphis Grizzlies 99-91 ib game six of the Western Conference First Round at FedExForum, Friday, April 29, 2011. JERRY LARA/glara@express-news.net (JERRY LARA / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9), of France, loses the ball while driving to the basket during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011, in Houston. The Rockets won 105-85. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip / AP)

SPORTS Spurs guard Tony Parker passes under the bucket around Devin Harris as the Spurs play the Utah Jazz at the ATT Center on December 31, 2011 Tom Reel/Staff (TOM REEL / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

FOR SPORTS – San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker shoots around Phoenix Suns’ Marcin Gortat during second half action Sunday Jan. 15, 2012 at the ATT Center. The Spurs won 102-91. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/eaornelas@express-news.net) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

FOR SPORTS – San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker sits on the bench during first half action against the Phoenix Suns Sunday Jan. 15, 2012 at the ATT Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/eaornelas@express-news.net) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich talks to point guard Tony Parker (9) and guard Daniel Green (4) in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Monday, Jan. 23, 2012. The Spurs won 104-102. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) (Gerald Herbert / AP)

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, left, talks to Spurs’ Tony Parker, of France, during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012, at the ATT Center in San Antonio. San Antonio won 105-83. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) (Darren Abate / AP)

Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs (9) shoots a layup as Emeka Okafor, left, of the New Orleans Hornets, and Trevor Ariza, right, defend on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-NewsNew Orleans Hornets at San Antonio Spurs (Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News)

SPORTS Spurs guard Tony Parker twists under Kendricks Perkins for a bucket in the first half as the San Antonio Spurs play the Oklahoma City Thunder at the ATT Center on February 4, 2012 Tom Reel/ San Antonio Express-News (TOM REEL / San Antonio Express-News)

SPORTS Thunder guard Russell Westbrook gets smothered by Tony Parker and DeJuan Blair trying to control a loose ball in the first half as the San Antonio Spurs play the Oklahoma City Thunder at the ATT Center on February 4, 2012 Tom Reel/ San Antonio Express-News (TOM REEL / San Antonio Express-News)

SPORTS Tony Parker passes off after driving into the lane as the San Antonio Spurs play the Oklahoma City Thunder at the ATT Center on February 4, 2012 Tom Reel/ San Antonio Express-News (TOM REEL / San Antonio Express-News)

Memphis Grizzlies’ Mike Conley, bottom, and San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker, top, of France, scramble for control of the ball during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game on Thursday, April 12, 2012, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay / AP)

FOR SPORTS – San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker drives to the basket under Memphis Grizzlies’ Gilbert Arenas as Memphis Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol looks on during first half action Thursday April, 12, 2012 at the ATT Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

FOR SPORTS – San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker looks for room under Memphis Grizzlies’ O.J. Mayo during first half action Thursday April, 12, 2012 at the ATT Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

FOR SPORTS – San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker lies on the floor after getting fouled by Memphis Grizzlies’ Gilbert Arenas during first half action Thursday April 12, 2012 at the ATT Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker, from France, works against Golden State Warriors guard Charles Jenkins as he drives toward the basket during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Oakland, Calif., Monday, April 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (Jeff Chiu / AP)

San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) drives as teammate Tiago Splitter (22) sets a pick on Los Angeles Lakers’ Ramon Sessions (7) during the first half of their NBA basketball game, Tuesday, April 17, 2012, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jason Redmond) (Jason Redmond / AP)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker, of France, falls to the floor as he chases a loose ball during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Monday, April 23, 2012, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 124-89. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay / AP)

FOR SPORTS – San Antonio Spurs Tony Parker looks for room around Utah Jazz Al Jefferson during second half action of Game 1 of the Western Conference first round Sunday April 29, 2012 at the ATT Center. The Spurs won 106-91. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

FOR SPORTS – San Antonio Spurs Tony Parker is fouled by Utah Jazz Enes Kanter during second half action of Game 1 of the Western Conference first round Sunday April 29, 2012 at the ATT Center. The Spurs won 106-91. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

FOR SPORTS – San Antonio Spurs Tony Parker waits to enter Game 1 of the Western Conference first round with the Utah Jazz Sunday April 29, 2012 at the ATT Center. The Spurs won 106-91. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

Column by Buck Harvey

Tony Parker won’t travel to Oklahoma City up 2-0 as he once traveled to Los Angeles up 2-0.

This time, Parker is bringing his best friend.

The trip won’t be easy; Tuesday said as much even as the Spurs continued a historic streak. But if Parker and the Spurs keep this up, and if he continues to be the force of his fourth title team, then Parker will travel somewhere else eventually.

It’s in Springfield, Mass.

Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili are already slotted for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and Tuesday offered a few more lines to their résumé.

Duncan threw down a windmill dunk, and his four blocks put him behind only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in NBA postseason history. Ginobili, meanwhile, tossed in the kind of tense, game-changing 3-pointer that he’s known for.

Still, Ginobili will someday be in the Hall of Fame for more than his NBA successes. How he played in Europe and his gold medal in Athens with Argentina will make him a lock.

Parker’s national team never had the same success and, until this season, he hadn’t either. Even after All-Star seasons and a Finals MVP, he was seen as the last leg of the Spurs’ Big Three on their best teams.

Good, but a Hall of Famer? The 2004 postseason told of that. Then, Parker zipped by the same Derek Fisher who was on the floor Tuesday, and the Spurs took a 2-0 lead on the road to Los Angeles.

Phil Jackson tweaked his defense, packing the lane and forcing Parker to take nervous jump shots. Most remember what Fisher did later to swing the series.

But Parker kept working, with Chip Engelland at his side, until he added the element that has changed him. Moving to his left with a dribble, slightly leaning that way, Parker shoots a jumper that has become the Spurs’ most reliable option.

The Thunder weren’t convinced. They went to the podium Tuesday repeating the same phrase, that Parker took “tough twos” and that they preferred this.

“Those are things that we’re giving,” coach Scott Brooks said.

Parker was taking. The Spurs have multiple options, especially when they are making 11 of 26 threes. But it begins because Parker’s jumper makes the pick-and-roll work, and that sets up everything else.

Combined with smart decisions that bordered on artistic, the Spurs were on their way to throwing a perfect game in the third quarter. When Ginobili went behind his back with a pass, and Parker swished an atypical three for a 20-point lead in the third quarter, it had the feel of a clinic.

Then the Thunder changed the feel with physical defense and their own Big Three. As the mood changed, Gregg Popovich did what he’s done from the start with his French point guard; he screamed at him.

Parker barked back. Maybe that’s a Hall-of-Fame qualification in itself.

But the Thunder’s ability kept chipping away, and they were on the cusp of breaking through with about four minutes left. Then, Kevin Durant took dead aim with an open three that would have cut the Spurs’ lead to five points.

The shot didn’t fall, though. And when Russell Westbrook clanged one of his 14 misses, Parker went the other way, exaggerating his left lean this time, arcing his jumper even higher.

All of it might not be enough in Oklahoma City, even though the Spurs have won 24 of their last 25 road games in which their starters have played. The Thunder showed signs, even in the loss, of making this a series.

But Parker won’t be going alone as he did in 2004. This time he’s taking a dependable jumper and, sorry, Boris Diaw, the shot is Parker’s best friend.

It provided 34 points on Tuesday, and it has put Parker on another level. He’s become the relentless power behind the league’s best team and, if he keeps it up, Oklahoma City is just a stop to another destination.

bharvey@express-news.net
Twitter: @Buck_SA

SPURS VS. THUNDER
Western Conference finals
(Spurs lead best-of-7 series 2-0)

Game 1:

Game 2:

Game 3: Thursday – Spurs @ Thunder, 8:00 p.m. TNT

Game 4: Saturday – Spurs @ Thunder, 7:30 p.m. TNT

*Game 5: Monday – Spurs vs. Thunder, 8:00 p.m. TNT

*Game 6: Wednesday June 6 – Spurs @ Thunder, 8:00 p.m. TNT

*Game 7: Friday June 8 – Spurs vs. Thunder, 8:00 p.m. TNT

– All times Central
*If necessary

Haslem, Pittman suspended for fracas with Pacers

The NBA has suspended Miami center Dexter Pittman for three games and Miami forward Udonis Haslem for a game for their actions during the Heat’s Game 5 victory over Indiana.

Pittman’s penalty came for striking the neck and shoulders of Indiana guard Lance Stephenson. And Haslem has been suspended for striking the head and shoulders of Indiana’s Tyler Hansbrough.

Both Pittman and Haslem had their Flagrant Fouls Ones upgraded to Flagrant Foul Twos, as did Hansbrough. His penalty came after he struck the head of Miami’s Dwyane Wade on a foul that preceded Haslem’s foul, opening a cut over Wade’s eye.

Haslem will serve his suspension on Thursday when the Pacers host the Heat in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series. Pittman will begin serving his suspension in Game 6.

The departures will hurt the Heat, who are already struggling with their inside depth with Chris Bosh out with an injury. The Heat will have only three inside players for Game 6 and likely will have to activate seldom-used reserve Eddy Curry for Thursday’s game.

Haslem was a huge factor in the Heat’s Game 4 victory in Indiana, scoring 10 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter.

Duncan says, ‘I’m a Spur for life’

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Why we love Tim Duncan

How do we love thee, Tim Duncan? Let us count the ways.

Because his teammates love him. (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

Because he loves his teammates. Aww. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Because he has lead the Spurs in four (hopefully soon to be five) NBA championship runs. (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

Because he takes care of business. (AP)

Because he shuns the limelight. (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

Because he’s a hugger. (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

Because he makes funny faces. (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

Because he’s kind of a dork. (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Because he’s not afraid of Kobe. (AP)

Because he never commits fouls. Ever. (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Because everyone else can “talk to the hand.” (AP)

Because he has mad moves. (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

Because he puts the big in “Big Three.” (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

Because of the Twin Towers. (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

Because Popovich loves him. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Because we love these commercials. (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

Because “these pythons are sick!” (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

Because he seems like a guy you can just hang out with. (Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News)

Because he’s so stylish. Obviously. (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

Because sometimes he does this. (AP)

Because he’s got brains to go with the brawn. (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

Because he’s a joker. (Imagine what he must have said or done to get Sean Elliott to make that face.) (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Because he’s serious about basketball. (TOM REEL / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

Because he’s always there with a shoulder for rookies to cry on. (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

Because he’s “understated.” (AP)

Because he’s a nice guy. (AP)

Did we mention he’s kind of a dork? (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Tim Duncan will retire a Spur, according to a report Monday night.

The future Hall of Famer, who is in the final year of his contract, told Yahoo! Sports he has little interest in testing the free-agent market.

“No … I’m not going anywhere,” said Duncan, 36. “You can print that wherever you want. I’m here, and I’m a Spur for life.”

Drafted No. 1 overall by the Spurs in 1997, Duncan said it’s realistic to expect him to play another year or two. Determined to win a fifth NBA title, Duncan is averaging 15.4 points and 9.0 rebounds over 28 minutes in the playoffs.

In the opening game of the Western Conference finals Sunday, Duncan contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds to help the Spurs rally in the fourth quarter to defeat Oklahoma City 101-98.

The professionalism of Duncan and fellow stars Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili is a big reason the club is poised to make its fifth trip to the NBA Finals, coach Gregg Popovich suggested Monday.

“I’m very fortunate in that I didn’t have to deal with a star ego,” Popovich said. “I dealt with grown-ups. They had character and prioritization already set in their lives. When Timmy came along, David (Robinson) understood his talent and made it very easy for him to understand Tim was the go-to guy. As Timmy got older, he understood the value of Tony and Manu and was able to share that spotlight with them. It’s because of their character we were able to do it.”

Streak doesn’t interest Spurs: The Spurs’ reaction to the news they can make NBA history tonight with a win in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals can best be summed up in one word: Whatever.

(Express-News graphic)

With their 101-98 victory over the Thunder on Sunday, the Spurs claimed their 19th straight win, matching the 2001 Lakers for the longest winning streak in NBA history that includes regular season and playoff triumphs.

That Lakers team went on to capture a title, which is all the Spurs care about.

“If it doesn’t turn out the way we want it to turn out, with us winning the championship, nobody is going to talk about the streak or even care about the streak,” guard Gary Neal said Monday. “Maybe after we complete our goals people will talk about the streak.”

Said forward Stephen Jackson: “If we lose tomorrow, then all that goes down the drain. … What we’ve done up to this point doesn’t matter. We have to be ready to win Game 2.”

The Spurs’ streak includes 10 games to cap the regular season. It’s also the longest in team history and is tied with the 1999-2000 Lakers for the fourth-longest in NBA history. With a win tonight, the Spurs will become just the fourth team to win 20 or more in a row.

But winning the franchise’s fifth title, not etching their names in the record book, is what matters most to the Spurs.

“None,” guard Manu Ginobili said when asked if he and his teammates had any awareness of the historical aspects of their scintillating run.

“When we are asked, we remember we are on a great streak, but we really don’t care,” he added. “We are close — seven games away — from accomplishing something way bigger than a streak.

“So, if it is happening, it’s fine. But we always think about the next game and how tough it’s going to be. The things we’ve got to do are beat (the Thunder) and improve.”

Only two teams have a longer streak than the Spurs’ nine to start the postseason. The Lakers won their first 11 games during the 1989 and 2001 playoffs. Both those teams reached the Finals, but only the 2001 crew won the title.

Green-light Gary: Neal said he’s “living his dream” in the playoffs. A more accurate statement is he’s living his dream with a hot hand.

Over his last two playoff games, Neal is hitting 62.5 percent from the field, including 57.1 percent from 3-point territory, while averaging 13 points. He scored seven of his 12 points in Game 1 in the fourth quarter on 3-of-4 shooting from the field. His biggest bucket was a 3-pointer to cap an 18-3 run.

Neal said his comfort with playoff basketball has a lot to do with Gregg Popovich.

“Coach Pop has given me the green light to come into the game and be aggressive,” Neal said. “When you have that kind of green light, you don’t really have a choice but to play with confidence.”

torsborn@express-news.net