Parker has chosen the postseason to elevate his game. Three contests into this leap, he is named to the All-Rookie first-team and is soaring to the next level. Barring injury, you know where he lands next: in his first All-Star Game.

Reputations are made in the playoffs, and Parker has carved one that is reverberating across the league. He is the rookie blowing past Payton. The kid outplaying an all-star.

He also is the 19-year-old provoking a question no reporter imagined asking before this first-round series between the Spurs and Sonics: Tony, do you think you are embarrassing Gary Payton?

"No," Parker said after Monday's practice. "He's still Gary Payton."

Via San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City

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