Duncan scored 8 points in a row in the second quarter and made 4 of 5 shots at the beginning. But the Spurs not only did not set off a wave of counterattacks, but were forced to fall behind by 7 points. Popovich was extremely desperate, and Link used his team attack to force the Spurs into a desperate situation.

Perhaps Link's score was not that explosive, and the assist data was not that exaggerated. But he did revitalize the Grizzlies' offense, which is an indisputable fact.

But speaking of this, shouldn't team offense be the Spurs' unique skill?

After the timeout, the Grizzlies took Randolph back and Popovich was upset again, because this meant that the Grizzlies' offensive firepower would become stronger than they had just been.

Sure enough, the subsequent game became even more difficult for the Spurs. First, under Randolph's defense, Duncan's offense could not be as easy as before. Opposing a lineman with a top 100 kilogram and opposing a "meat mountain" with a 120 kilogram are two completely different concepts.

Secondly, the Grizzlies' offense has changed more. After Randolph came back, the Grizzlies had more offensive points. Randolph also changed his spirit of fighting against Duncan in the first quarter and became more dependent on team attacks, which made Randolph play as if he were to play on the offensive end.

Randolph's performance in the playoffs this year is really excellent, almost at the superstar level. He can do all kinds of scoring skills such as cutting, hooking, and jumping.

Under the Grizzlies' fierce offensive, the Spurs were 13 points behind at most. At the end of the half-time game, the Grizzlies led 52 to 43 back to the locker room.

"I scored 52 points in the half game, which is not the Grizzlies' usual style. They usually win by defense, but today the Grizzlies played well on the offensive end. Zach scored 15 points and 6 rebounds in the half, which made the Spurs' inside defense miserable."

"Yes, inside defense is the Spurs' biggest weakness this year. Blair, Bonner and McDyce can't support the Spurs' inside defense. Brazilian Split is still too young, and Popovich seems to dare not give him more playing time in the playoffs. This is not a tactical issue, but a simple staffing issue. I think the Spurs will play extremely difficult in this round of the series."

After watching the half game, both commentators were worried about the Spurs' prospects. Faced with a close opponent, the Spurs may be able to defeat the opponent by relying on the coach's tactics or the individual players' performance. However, strictly speaking, the Spurs and the Grizzlies are not evenly matched.

That's right, the Spurs are the number one in the West, but their lineup is just restrained by the Grizzlies. The Spurs are the weakest inside defense, and the Grizzlies are the strongest inside attack. The Spurs are the strongest outside attack, and the Grizzlies' outside defense chain is beyond the reach of other teams. From the No. 1 position to the No. 3 position, everyone can defend.

Cole didn't know what Popovich thought. In his opinion, the crisis of the Spurs in this round of the series is not just this game.

After the start of the second half, the Spurs made a strong attack. Richard Jefferson finally found the touch and made a three-pointer to help the Spurs narrow the gap. Then, Duncan continued to make a spoil in the inside, while Parker stole Conley on the defensive end. After a blow, the Spurs started with a 10-0 start in the third quarter.

However, after 10-0, the Spurs were only one point ahead. There was no way, the pit dug in front was too big.

Afterwards, the Grizzlies recovered and Randolph began to score consecutively in the penalty area. Mayo, who came on as a substitute, immediately scored three points. The Spurs quickly lost the lead and were suppressed until the fourth quarter.

During this period, the exhausted Duncan offensive momentum began to weaken. Parker and Ginobili had to survive the Grizzlies' tight perimeter defense. It was not until the end of the fourth quarter that "Red Mamba" Bonner made two consecutive three-pointers in 41 seconds, which allowed the Spurs to recover.

Gasol's footsteps are too slow. Every time he faces Bonner, he will be stolen by the opponent. At this point, the score has become 90-95, with 1 minute and 28 seconds left in the game. If it weren't for Bonner's two three-pointers, the Grizzlies should have been 11 points ahead now, which would give them complete control of the overall situation.

But now, everything has changed. Chasing 5 points in 1 minute and 28 seconds is a chance for the Spurs who are extremely eager to win!

Hollins immediately suspended the game, and the Spurs' foundation was always here. Although the whole game was suppressed on the scene, when he looked closely at the last moment, the Spurs were not much behind.

After all, he is still the best in the West!

"Okay guys, you all did a good job so far. You still kept the lead in the last 1 minute and 28 seconds of the game. I'm proud of you. But if you lose the game in the end, believe me, others will only give you shame! We just missed some opportunities, and now I don't want to see something like that happen again. In the last few rounds, every attack is about the outcome. So, I need you to patiently pass on and eliminate the mistakes. Then, try to solve the attack in the open."

After Hollins finished speaking, he looked at Link's data on the big screen. He scored 23 points and 8 assists, two assists and two double-double. His organization and support today are the reasons why the Grizzlies' offense was extremely smooth.

Speaking of which, rookies who can score double-double in a single game in the playoffs in a rookie season usually become superstars in the end, such as Carl Malone, Rose, Duncan, who is 35 years old at the time, etc. Originally, it was already difficult to enter the playoffs in a rookie season, and even James and Durant had not done it. What's more, they had to score double-double in the playoffs.

And such a person seems to have never been seen in the history of the Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies' offense was blocked just now, and Hollins now hopes that the team can keep the offense smooth at the last moment. Otherwise, the Spurs will definitely not be able to resist it by defending alone.

To achieve this goal, Hollins needs to make good use of Link's outstanding offensive performance today. At the critical moment, it will be handed over to that kid!

"Link, you play the second position after you come on the court. Sean, you play the third position. I need you to open up space outside the three-point line to seize the opportunity!" Hollins made a substitution. He replaced Tony Allen with Bathir, with the purpose of stabilizing the offense while ensuring defense as much as possible.

Link and Bathir both have good defenses. Although they are not as pure as Tony Allen, there will be no problem with Ginobili, who consumes too much physical strength in the fourth quarter.

"In the last minute, Link, you'll be on the offense. The Spurs will definitely strengthen their defense against the inside, so we can hit the outside, just like you did in the second quarter."

The pause time was very short, and Hollins just said a few words and the game started again.

Grizzlies players stepped into the court one after another, and they high-five and cheered each other, believing that the Grizzlies' journey is not over yet.

Link was about to turn around and join the ranks of his teammates, but Hollins pulled his shoulder.

"coach?"

Hollins walked up to Link, helped him sort out his jersey, and then solemnly patted his shoulder.

"The playoffs are the stage for creating stars, Link. Now, the stage is left to you."

Link smiled, of course he could understand what Hollins meant.

In the last minute and a half, Link needed to end all this. He would prove that the number one in the West is not invincible.
Chapter completed!