At the most crucial point in the game, everyone's defensive focus intensified, making the defense inside the paint especially tight.
At that point, the best way to score was to find opportunities beyond the three-point line.
In that regard, Juan's three-point percentage was slightly higher than Wemby's.
As for the role players, the Timberwolves performed better. They played more like a team.
Aside from Game 7, when the role players' shooting percentage was a little low, they had outperformed the Spurs' role players in each of the other six games.
In the end, the Timberwolves edged out the Spurs by two points in the Game 7 battle and advanced to the Finals.
After the Game 7 battle, when the final victory was theirs, Juan raised both arms and fell to his knees at center court, tears filling his eyes.
Everyone thought Juan was so emotional because they'd just come through an incredibly tough series and beaten the Spurs, who were stronger on paper.
But this was what Juan said in his post-game interview:
"I was so emotional because my dream finally came true!"
His answer took everyone by surprise.
For any talented player, the dream was surely to win an NBA championship.
Juan had only just made it to the Finals, yet he was saying his dream had come true. Wasn't that dream a little too modest?
Before the reporters could press him for more, he continued:
"Do you all think my dream is to win the championship?"
"Isn't it? Every talented player like you dreams of winning the championship."
A reporter asked.
Juan shook his head. "No, winning the championship isn't my dream."
Juan's answer made the head coach and assistant coach, standing outside the side entrance, slap their palms against their foreheads.
The Finals were about to begin,