Durant stood blankly on the court, with the back of this tall and thin guy very lonely.

He saw Link throwing the basketball into the stands and enjoying the hugs of the fans. He saw the Grizzlies players celebrating the victory in ecstasy, celebrating their first second round of the playoffs in their team history. Of course, he also saw the uncomfortable numbers on the big screen on the scene.

3 of 14.

Durant clenched his fists, very unwilling to accept it. These scenes in front of him should have happened in Oklahoma City. If he could do better today

Thinking of this, Durant felt his eyes a little astringent. But he still bit his lips and walked towards Link.

Link saw Durant walking towards him and stopped all the celebrations. On the court, Link might make his matchup extremely uncomfortable. But after the game, Link will respect most of his opponents.

"Congratulations, Link." Durant walked up and hugged Link gently. Suddenly, several cameras immediately surrounded the two of them.

"You guys are doing great, too." Link didn't know what to say. The future is yours? He seems not qualified to say this to Durant. After all, Durant is more experienced than him, so he can only say the most common one.

"No, you beat me completely, I admit it, and I hope that the person who beat me can go further in the playoffs. But the next time we meet again, it will definitely not be that simple." Durant said, patted Link on the chest, "Come on."

Then, the Thunder No. 35 disappeared into the player's passage. Link stood there and scratched his head. What is this? Is it a blessing or a provocation? Maybe the relationship between men is sometimes so subtle.

Link believes what Durant said. If you meet that guy again in the playoffs in the future, it will not be so simple. Durant was indeed not mature enough during this period, and his shortcomings and advantages are as obvious. Last season's playoffs, Durant's average shooting percentage was only 35%. This is enough to show that it is not that you won the regular season scoring champion, but you are invincible in the playoffs.

Compared with last year, Durant's performance this year is pretty good.

Durant is still growing in recent years. But two or three years later, Durant will never be so young in the playoffs.

Link still remembers that in the 2014 playoffs, according to the original history, the Grizzlies and the Thunder would meet again. The most impressive thing about that year was that people said that Tony Allen defended Durant well. But in fact, Durant still scored 26 points with a shooting percentage of 44% in that round of the series. In this way, people think that Tony Allen's defense was successful. This shows how terrifying a mature Durant is.

However, Link believes that he will become completely different in two or three years. He is looking forward to another showdown with Durant, and hopes that when they mature, they can play a more exciting showdown.

Afterwards, Link was completely surrounded by reporters, and everyone on the Thunder disappeared from this sea of ​​joy. Link didn't think much about it. Now, the only thing he should do is to enjoy the victory.

※※※

Greg Popovich stared at the TV without saying a word.

The Grizzlies won, as he expected, the Memphis Grizzlies were in a breach of the young and immature thunder.

When the Grizzlies went from eighth to fifth, Popovich probably knew that this year's Grizzlies would be a difficult opponent. After all, even he was avoiding the Grizzlies at the beginning. The regular season matchup had already made Popovich know that any team would be in trouble when they encountered the Grizzlies. Even if they could win, they would have to pay a huge price.

An opponent that Popovich doesn't want to meet is enough to show its deterrence.

And now, what Popovich is most worried about has really happened. The Memphis Grizzlies advanced as fifth in the West, which means that the Spurs and the Grizzlies will meet in the second round of the series!

After hiding for a long time, the Spurs still couldn't escape. After Guy was injured, the rise of the Grizzlies was surprising. But this is Memphis' "Ewing's Law", and you have to accept it.

"They are very strong, especially Link. Even compared to the regular season, he has made great progress."

Beside Popovich, Tim Duncan, who had been taciturn, finally spoke. He stared at Link, and the performance of the No. 0 series was surprising.

Today's game limit Durant's 3 of 14 shots was just one of his outstanding performances.

"Yes, that kid is more amazing than any undraft I've ever seen. His talent is top-notch, but he lost to Tim at the beginning. Do you feel confident? It's the second round, we can't get out early." Popovich turned his head and looked at the big man beside him. On his face, you looked down on any emotions.

"Confidence? Confidence cannot help us win. We must rely on real hard work to win. We must be prepared. The next round of the game will be very difficult for us."

"Well, it will definitely be very difficult. I have said a long time ago that from now on, there will be another terrible opponent in the West. But now, let's think about how to kill the Hornets tomorrow. The game time is over, and it's time to finish tomorrow." Popovich said, turning off the TV.

The Grizzlies vs. Spurs, although one round later than expected, the two sides still met.

※※※

The news that the Grizzlies defeated the Thunder and advanced to the second round of the series became popular across the United States the next day.

But at this time in New Orleans, people were indifferent to the news of the Grizzlies' promotion. Because today, for the Hornets, it will be a day that determines their life and death.

At first, New Orleans fans were still excited. But the more the game went, the less cheers the fans were.

Ginobili and Tony Parker, the back teammate, will completely destroy the Hornets.

"Manu Ginobili completely destroyed the Hornets' defense today. The Argentine didn't look like a 34-year-old player at all! He once again broke through the Italian with a pick-and-roll, jump shot from the middle distance, and hit again!"

On the commentary stage, Mike Bryn was shocked by Ginobili's condition. He scored 33 points, 6 assists and 6 rebounds. He played completely differently than a Spurs player. He was like a superstar who had managed the game with his own strength.

Another defender Parker, with 24 points and 9 assists. This season's playoffs, Ginobili and Parker averaged 20.6 points per game and 19.7 points per game. It is not an exaggeration to say that they are the strongest back team in the West. These two players, who are in their 60s, have no idea how many young defenders in the league feel ashamed.

Among them, there are naturally Chris Paul.

Paul was not as good as before after the serious injury. Today, he was beaten by two old defenders of the Spurs, and Paul felt even more disappointed.

He was disappointed with himself, but also with the Hornets. The Hornets had never made a decent signing in the years. Paul was thinking that his career might have started again from another place.

After Ginobili hit this goal, the Hornets were already 13 points behind the Spurs. At this time, there were only 2 minutes and 18 seconds left before the game ended.

"If nothing unexpected happens, there should be no big problem with the Spurs' promotion! In this way, the match between the Grizzlies and the Spurs will definitely be quite exciting! Mike, what do you think the game between the Spurs and the Grizzlies will be like?"

"It's hard." Mike Bryn replied to his partner.

"Yes, it will be difficult for any team to meet the Spurs. Although the Spurs and Hornets will not decide the winner until the sixth game, the Hornets themselves are not weak teams. Even if they are eighth in the West, their strength is very strong."

"No, I mean, the Spurs will play hard. After all, in Memphis, Ginobili will not encounter such a slack defense." Mike Brin stared at the court and looked at the two foreign defenders who have been in the mood this season.
Chapter completed!