Kicking back in those seats that only the beautifully rich can swing, Donnie Nelson pondered the million-dollar question of the Western Conference Finals: Can the Mavericks stop -- better yet, slow down -- Tim Duncan?

"Is that ever the question, man alive," answered Nelson, the Mavs' assistant coach/president of basketball operations, from a courtside seat at American Airlines Center minutes before a light Sunday afternoon practice.

The Mavs face Duncan and the rest of the Spurs in the best-of-seven series beginning tonight at the SBC Center in San Antonio.

Nelson isn't the only one in need of Excedrin. Like an unprepared freshman cramming through his first overnighter, the Mavs face the head-splitting task of preparing for the league's most complete player. Shaquille O'Neal is the most dominant. Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson and Tracy McGrady can fight it out for most exciting.

Duncan is the MVP. Two times over.

"He's as complete a big man as there is in the league now and has been for a long time," said center Raef LaFrentz, one of many Mavericks charged with the mission of trying to guard Duncan. "He works so well doing his work early. He seals you. He has wide shoulders. He uses the glass so effectively that you can't block his shot. He's just a complete player."