12 reasons Tim Duncan can be considered as the greatest basketball player of all time

5) Tim Duncan vs Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki and Tim Duncan had some memorable battles over the years

Duncan wasn't as athletic or imposing as Shaq. He wasn't as good a shooter as Dirk Nowitzki. Kevin Garnett was more athletic and had a more well-rounded offensive game. Dwight Howard was a bigger monster on defence and athletically ate everyone's lunch and dinner. These are four of the best big men that Duncan went up against.

And you know what, he outplayed them all. Competition brings out the best or worst in us. In Tim Duncan's case, when he went up against fellow Hall of Fame players in his and their prime and beyond, Tim Duncan dueled the best in the business and came out on top.

Let's start with Dirk Nowitzki, who when it’s all said and done will have one of the most iconic careers of all time. Duncan and Nowitzki faced off 57 times in the regular season. Duncan won 35-22 and averaged 20.2 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.9 blocks per game in those contests. While Dirk put up 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 0.9 blocks per game.

“We all know we’re on the back end of our careers,” Duncan was quoted about battling Nowitzki late in their careers. “It’s good to see those guys not only still there, but playing a role and playing it well,” he added.

In the playoffs, Duncan and Nowitzki enjoyed 33 battles with Duncan narrowly edging out 18-15. Duncan outplayed Nowitzki in the playoffs as well by averaging 24.1 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.9 blocks per game in those contests. Nowitzki, in contrast, averaged 23.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 0.7 blocks per game.

Advantage: Duncan.