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Any season that doesn't end with a ring is a failure for the four-time champions. The three years since their last title is an eternity in San Antonio and, as has been the case since the 2007 finals, time isn't on the side of their aging core.
Ginobili, who'll be 33 next season, signed a three-year extension in March. Duncan will be 35 when his contract is up in 2012. But could the Spurs part with Parker, who enters the summer with an expiring deal worth $13.5 million and a cheaper replacement behind him in Hill?
Back at the All-Star break, it was the Suns who were thinking about the future when a trade of Stoudemire seemed imminent. The Suns instead kept the team together, and Stoudemire got to enjoy beating the Spurs in the playoffs for the first time since 2000.
The Suns had lost to the Spurs four consecutive times in the playoffs since 2003.
Jared Dudley had 16 points and Jason Richardson had 11 for the Suns. Duncan had 17 points, and Ginobili added 15 for the Spurs.
NOTES: The Suns pulled off their first sweep since ousting Memphis from the first round in 2005. ... Texas Gov. Rick Perry had a front-row seat to the Spurs' exit while sitting next to team owner Peter Holt for the first half.
[Associated Press;
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