The Associated Press

Nets forward Kenyon Martin's 2003 NBA Finals could well be crystallized in one moment.

It happened in the second quarter of the Nets' Game 6 loss to San Antonio, with Martin holding the ball on the right elbow of the lane. He began to make a move to the basket and stopped, apparently believing he had traveled.

While he stood still, Spurs guard Emanuel Ginobili darted in and ripped the ball from Martin, who then committed a frustration foul. That moment - flat-footed, helpless and erratic - sums up Martin's disappointing performance in the finals.

After committing eight turnovers while being dogged by the flu in Game 5, the former University of Cincinnati All-American struggled again in Game 6.

Facing elimination, Martin played an uninspired game, getting outmuscled for rebounds and playing the opposite of his typical aggressive and energetic self.

Martin scored just six points and shot 3-of-21 from the field, making just one field goal in the second half. He did grab 10 rebounds but struggled in defending the interior all night.

TV RATINGS DOWN: ABC, in the first year of a $2.4 billion contract to televise the NBA, drew the lowest ratings for the championship series since games were shown on tape delay two decades ago.

DENVER PICKED: NBA Commissioner David Stern cited a more stable Denver Nuggets ownership and management situation in announcing the team will host the 2005 All-Star game.

CELTICS: Bruno Sundov, a 7-foot-3 center-forward signed as a free agent last July but was used sparingly in 26 games, exercised his contract option and will return to Boston for a second season.