Wins, as Duncan knows, are all that can save him.

Winning might not even be enough. The Spurs could end with 56 wins and the division, and sentiment might still be with Jason Kidd. Kidd was the early leader, and, yes, he beat the Lakers on Wednesday.

Duncan imagines the same. "If I win MVP," he said Wednesday night, "I will be extremely surprised."

That might be his way of handling this. He says he's cared about the award before, and now he says he's over that.

"Ask him about it," said Antonio Daniels, "and Tim will say he doesn't care."

Sure enough. "I don't care," said Duncan.