The Mavericks believed they were different from the Timberwolves and the Hawks. They still had plenty of room to maneuver in this year's playoffs!
At the same time, this game also seemed to serve as a reminder to Phoenix.
Despite their elite roster, they still seemed to lack someone who could become a "wild card" in the playoffs...
Or perhaps Devin Booker simply remained a tier below the truly elite superstars in terms of individual ability.
Perhaps shifting their focus toward Haliburton over the next few years might not be a bad option either...
That wrapped up all the games on May 2.
Naturally, the May 3 schedule followed.
Since the New York Knicks and the Oklahoma Thunder had already finished their respective series, only one game remained that day.
Fortunately, that game drew plenty of attention and discussion.
The King Mountain Battle between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers!
It officially tipped off at seven that evening.
The two longtime rivals once again launched into an incredibly intense battle.
And on this night, the Bucks were the ones who had the last laugh.
The two sides fought tooth and nail all the way into the final minute. After that, it was Cousin's time to take over.
Damian Lillard once again demonstrated his astonishing ability to deliver under pressure.
In the closing stages of the game, on a stage as important as the King Mountain Battle, with his team down two points, Lillard still dared to pull up for a crucial deep three right over Butler's defense-and knocked it down.
As an off-the-dribble deep-three shooter who might rank second only to Stephen Curry in the league, Cousin truly possessed exceptional individual ability.
At least on this night, he became Milwaukee's hero. He proved that the Bucks had made the