Video: Spurs vs. Nuggets Highlights

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The Denver Nuggets are one of the most athletic teams in the league, if not the most.

So it should come as no surprise that the 36-year-old Tim Duncan was the most impressive player early in the game. Through 12 minutes of play, in which San Antonio held a three-point lead, Duncan already had 11 points on 5-of-7 shooting. With the full arsenal on display, Duncan exited with 21 points and eight rebounds.

The Nuggets were able to offset the initial damage by creating turnovers (22 Spurs turnovers led to 28 points) and creating in transition (31 points). The final score aside, a 97-91 Nuggets victory, the Spurs had plenty of impressive performances.

Kawhi Leonard compiled one of the most diverse stat lines you will see — nine points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and a 3-pointer. Gary Neal scored 19 points off 6-of-10 shooting. Eddy Curry scored five points and grabbed four rebounds in 15 minutes.

But at the end of the day, it is Duncan who Denver coach George Karl wants to avoid.

“I don’t know when we play them in-season,” Karl said. “I’m hoping it’s the end of the season. Maybe the wear and tear will have caught up with him.