NEWS AND EVENTS

Spurs retire Tim Duncan’s No. 21 jersey

After 19 seasons, five NBA championships and two MVP awards, Tim Duncan’s No. 21 jersey was raised to the rafters of the AT&T Center Sunday night, officially immortalizing “The Big Fundamental” as one of the greatest players in San Antonio Spurs history.

As if he wasn’t already.

The hour-long ceremony — which took place after San Antonio’s 113-100 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans — was hosted by Spurs legend Sean Elliot, and featured speeches from coach Gregg Popovich, who teared up when he said that Duncan is “exactly the same person now as he was when he walked in the door,” and Duncan’s long-time teammates Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.

“To all of you in here, the fans, all of San Antonio — thank you,” Duncan said. “The love and support is overwhelming, especially over the last couple weeks.

” … I got so much more from you guys. From my teammates, from these guys over here (group of ex-teammates and coaches), than they can explain that they got from me, and I know that.”

The soft-spoken superstar addressed his family, ex-Wake Forest coach Dave Odomand Spurs general manager R.C. Buford before thanking Popovich, who he played under for all 19 of his seasons.

“Thank you coach Pop, for being more than a coach. For being more like a father to me. Thank you.”

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

• In addition to the championships, MVPs and Finals MVPs, Duncan led the Spurs to a 1,072-438 regular season record, the best in NBA history over 19 seasons.
• He’s the only player in NBA history to start and win an NBA championship in three separate decades.
• He finished his career with 15 All-NBA Team (tied for most all-time) and 15 All-Defensive Team (most all-time) honors.
• Not only was he the third player in NBA history to reach 1,000 career wins, he was the first player to reach 1,000 wins with one team.
• He’s the Spurs’ all-time leader in total regular season points (26,496), rebounds (15,091), blocks (3,020), minutes (47,368) and games played (1,392).