The calendar turned to May 4.
The packed schedule continued to roll on as usual.
Since the Celtics had also wrapped up their series early, there was only one game that day as well: Game 5 between the Denver Nuggets and the San Antonio Spurs.
Back on their home court with a 3-1 series lead, the Nuggets immediately launched a high-intensity offensive assault, hoping to build a comfortable advantage right from the opening tip.
Their primary target that night was still Wemby.
And Wemby did struggle under the Nuggets' relentless targeting. On defense, where he had previously been in his element, he began to look constrained and hesitant.
Fortunately for the Spurs, however, their offense was unexpectedly sharp that night.
Brunson, Vassell, Champagnie, Johnson, and the others all delivered highly efficient offensive performances. Even Wemby knocked down several three-pointers in succession, keeping the team's perimeter firepower alive.
That prevented Denver's quick-strike strategy from producing immediate results.
The score remained tight all the way to halftime.
So once the second half began, the Nuggets immediately adjusted their strategy. They played a steadier game, cut down on poor shot choices, slowed the pace to reduce the number of possessions, and returned to high pick-and-rolls, looking for opportunities through the efficient Jokic-Murray partnership.
Their choice was, of course, the right one.
After all, the Spurs' young players still had plenty of shortcomings when it came to controlling the tempo and adapting to changes in pace.
When the Nuggets abruptly shifted gears, their offense briefly stalled.
Thankfully, San Antonio's coaching staff had a wealth of experience.
And the team also had a "veteran" in Brunson.
Having played alongside Doncic in the playoffs with the Mavericks and delivered some outstanding performances, Big Head still had plenty to offer in moments like these.
Through a series