Tim Duncan had 33 points, 19 rebounds and three blocks to show for his night's work, enough to push the Spurs to a 108-101 win and more importantly a 2-1 lead over the Suns in their Western Conference semifinal.
"Everything started with him," Popovich said, "and I think it carried over to other players."
Unlike four days earlier during the Spurs' loss in Phoenix, Duncan received enough support. Manu Ginobili, jolted by a jab to his left eye, emerged from his playoff fog long enough to score 24 points, half of which came during a dizzying two-minute stretch that put the Spurs firmly in control at the end of the third quarter.
"I think Manu," Popovich said, "got Manu going."