Tim Duncan’s PlayStation rivalry with Nick Van Exel revealed

Tim Duncan’s legendary competitiveness wasn’t just confined to the basketball court. Nick Van Exel, his teammate during the 2004-05 NBA season, revealed that Duncan’s drive to win extended to their PlayStation battles on team flights. Van Exel claimed he 'used to kick his butt' in video games, despite Duncan’s dominance on the hardwood.

What happened on those flights?

Van Exel, then 34, joined the San Antonio Spurs for his final NBA season, playing alongside a peak Tim Duncan. The two often passed the time on flights with video games, with Van Exel boasting he won most of their matchups. 'I had a chance to play with him one year in San Antonio,' Van Exel told ESPN. 'I used to kick his butt all the time because he used to have his little TV and PlayStation with him.'

Duncan’s competitive streak was evident even in gaming. Van Exel described him as an 'ultimate competitor,' whether on the court or in front of a screen. 'The way he competed on the court was the same way he competed with his video games,' Van Exel said. 'Everything was competition. He wouldn’t want you to win at anything.'

How did Duncan become a gaming rival?

Duncan’s gaming skills weren’t innate-they were honed by another Spurs legend. David Robinson, his 'Twin Tower' teammate, introduced Duncan to video games early in his career. 'When [Duncan] came in as a youngster, I indoctrinated him into the nerd-world of video games,' Robinson said. 'We used to play computer games-Starcraft or something. I used to beat him and Malik Rose like a drum.'

Robinson admitted Duncan and Rose quickly surpassed him. 'Then they turned it around on me so quick and all of a sudden they became incredible at the game and I stopped playing,' Robinson recalled. This evolution turned Duncan into a formidable gaming opponent, even if Van Exel still claimed the upper hand.

Why does this reveal matter?

Duncan’s gaming rivalry with Van Exel offers a rare glimpse into his off-court personality. Known for his quiet demeanor, Duncan’s competitive fire burned just as brightly in video games as it did in basketball. Van Exel’s stories highlight how Duncan’s drive to win permeated every aspect of his life, making him a legend both on and off the court.

The Spurs’ 2004-05 season, where Van Exel and Duncan were teammates, ended with a first-round playoff exit. But their off-court battles added a layer of camaraderie to their time together. As Van Exel put it, 'He’s definitely going to be missed.'