Author: Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY

The small-market Spurs have won five NBA titles. But they are clearly the exception in a league where large-market franchises remain dominant.

The Nets’ trio of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden shook off a frigid start in their first playoff game together to handle the Celtics.

Six weeks after falling to 17-32 and 13th place in the Eastern Conference, the Wizards are headed to the playoffs as the No. 8 seed.

The Warriors and the Lakers will battle in an NBA play-in game. The winner gets into playoffs, and loser will face a must-win.

Jayson Tatum erupted for 50 points as the Celtics pulled away from the Wizards to secure the No. 7 seed and a first-round matchup with the Nets.

NBA started play-in games to give more teams a chance to make playoffs, create late-season excitement, make more games meaningful and curb tanking.

With just two days left in the regular season, the intrigue surrounding the play-in format has drawn more attention than the race for the No. 1 seed.

Duncan averaged 19 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 19 seasons that included five NBA titles, two MVPs and 15 All-Star appearances.

Russell Westbrook reached his 182nd career triple-double, breaking Oscar Robertson’s all-time record, during the Wizards’ game vs. the Hawks Monday.