Tagore kept running tirelessly across the court, just like Mad Dog Beverley, relentlessly hounding X.
X had never encountered such oppressive, aggressive defense in his life.
In the end, with no other choice, he passed the ball to the Small Forward on the wing.
Fortunately, the Small Forward sank the three, easing X's embarrassment.
On the next possession, Tagore kept hounding X.
When the Spurs sent the Small Forward over to set a screen for X, Big Lock Rock stayed glued to him. Though Rock wasn't quite as relentless as Tagore, he made up for it with his footwork and physicality.
His massive frame, quick feet, and exceptionally long arms put X under tremendous pressure.
While dribbling, X accidentally bounced the ball off his foot, sending it rolling toward the sideline.
Fortunately, the Spurs' Power Forward rushed over to retrieve it. But just then, Little Tiger burst out from behind the Power Forward and dove headfirst between his spread legs, reaching the ball first.
The sight left everyone stunned.
The spectators in the arena all shouted in unison.
Reggie Miller said incredulously, "This rookie gives it everything he's got. He really does! He reminds me of Mad Dog Beverley. The moment he steps onto the court, he goes all out—and gets the crowd fired up, too."
JJ Redick nodded emphatically.
"He's hounding their Point Guard so relentlessly that this year's first overall pick, X, doesn't know what to do. And he goes just as crazy for loose balls. He dove straight out from behind a Spurs player, slid between his legs, and came up with the ball. If Beverley is a mad dog, then this guy is a mad tiger!"
Reggie Miller agreed completely with JJ Redick. He nodded and said,
"Exactly. His old nickname was Little Tiger, but that