Tim Duncan Listed 'DND-OLD:' Spurs Sit Star Forward Due To Age

The San Antonio Spurs wrapped up a frenzied three-games-in-three-nights stretch by shutting down the Philadelphia Sixers in the second half on Sunday, only giving up 11 points in the fourth quarter.

Among those watching the Spurs put the clamps on the 76ers was veteran star Tim Duncan. The 35-year-old was given the night off. No, Duncan was not sidelined by any particular injury. Of course, the official box score at NBA.com does list a condition that likely won't be improving any time soon.

Apparently, the official reason for Duncan sitting was his age. After 15 seasons, Duncan was listed as a DND-Old. The "DND" stands for "Did Not Dress." The "OLD" represents the 1,097 regular-season games that Duncan has logged.

It was the second day off during the condensed season for Duncan, who still managed to receive a technical foul from the bench.

Referee Josh Tiven handed Duncan a technical foul in the first half for unwelcome comments after Manu Ginobili fell hard on a drive to the basket but didn't receive a call. This isn't the first time that Duncan has been T'd up while on the sidelines. During a game against Dallas back in 2007, referee Joey Crawford -- who was also working Sunday's Spurs-Sixers game -- ejected Duncan for laughing from the bench. Crawford was suspended for the altercation.

"I appreciated it," Ginobili said about Duncan's tech after the game. "I think Pop didn't. But it's good when you see your franchise player, even when he's not playing, stick with his team and support and cheer for them. He's a great leader, and we respect that."

Comments

[SweetLemonPie]

07:44 AM on 03/29/2012

Tim Duncan's a one-of-a-kind individual, personally and professionally. Good thing the NBA now have the closest thing to Duncan in Derrick Rose.

[Bowenfan]

12:53 AM on 03/27/2012

The Spurs are a class act!! Because we are a small market, they are not given the respect they need. Also, our players don't get the endorsements that other shows do. Our Spurs are professionals on and off the court. They are an asset in San Antonio and represent us well. David Robinson set the example and Tim Duncan is following it. Bruce Bowen is also an exceptional professional. We are very proud of them!!

[SweetLemonPie]

07:38 AM on 03/29/2012

I agree, the Spurs organization are an elite bunch, from a respectable and winning standpoint. Proud to be a staunch loyal fan myself. Go Spurs Go!!!

[robb131]

11:32 PM on 03/26/2012

It's just great to see that after 15 seasons together, Timmy and Pop can still kid around once in a while, while other teams seem to be at each others throats.

[robb131]

11:29 PM on 03/26/2012

The Spurs are the most humble team in basketball; when was the last time you heard any kinda of drama or controversy swirling around them? Timmy, Manu, even David Robinson in his day. Ok, with the exceptioon of Mr. ex-Eva Longoria (Sorry TP - had to go there)

[Kang Gym]

10:54 PM on 03/26/2012

Tim Duncan - a class act - one of the last great players to play 4 years in college (Wake Forest).

[SweetLemonPie]

07:39 AM on 03/29/2012

Great way to mention that.

[mglholdings]

10:03 PM on 03/26/2012

Love Timmy. The Spurs play such great TEAM basketball..

[dmaha73836]

09:13 PM on 03/26/2012

Pop knows When he will need Duncan most

[belldn3]

08:43 PM on 03/26/2012

I like Tim. At least he has a ring. I know he will probably retire soon. Damn good player.

[Leon Engelun]

07:24 PM on 03/26/2012

Having By-pass surgery, some other issues like torn ACL, broken bones, eyes getting bad and need glasses, all I can say is,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Getting old is not for sissies.

[leroi1152]

06:22 PM on 03/26/2012

They make the playoffs and Tim will be there.

[chazgoodman62]

06:12 PM on 03/26/2012

That was awesome! Duncan is the class of the league.

[Soror4512]

05:55 PM on 03/26/2012

I guess 'old' is relative. 36 - Too old to basketballl is one thing, 36 - too old to be alive is not so old.
At least he gets to see the games for free and he's a highly paid cheerleader for his team.
Go Duncan. See you back on the courts come playoff time.

[360Dunk]

05:23 PM on 03/26/2012

Popovich calling Duncan old is like Larry King calling a fetus old.

[sdave]

08:15 PM on 03/26/2012

In pro-sports language, 36 is older.....your best years are behind you, not in front of you. Outside of pro-sports, a different matter....

[360Dunk]

12:30 PM on 03/27/2012

Even outside of sports, 36 is old in some cases......especially in the bedroom where we peak in our 20's.

[hrc04]

05:15 PM on 03/26/2012

I love Popovich's sense of humor.

[jaye4412]

04:33 PM on 03/26/2012

Funny... A lighter side to all of the dark news we usually see and hear about...

[crookednimbus]

08:46 PM on 03/26/2012

^5 from a liberal army woman and die hard spurs fan.