The last time Duncan was in such a mess during a game was also during his rookie period.
But it wasn't his NBA rookie year; it was his NCAA freshman year, just after he joined Wake Forest University.
During the game against Clemson Tigers, he was utterly dominated on both offense and defense by their center, Sharon Wright.
At that time, Duncan was still very young, while Sharon Wright was already a mature senior player.
That same year, Wright was selected sixth overall in the first round by the 76ers to enter the NBA.
It was quite normal for the young Duncan to be bullied by such a player, as he wasn't yet able to compete at the highest level of strength in the NCAA.
After the game, the coach of Wake Forest University, Odom, called Duncan into the office. He didn't criticize Duncan but rather consoled him.
Odom worried that after such an embarrassing defeat, Duncan might lose confidence, and confidence is more precious than gold.
