D'Antoni's expression changed, and he said urgently:
What was strange was that although the Rockets had won today's game, D'Antoni did not look happy at all. There was no smile on his face, only a stern expression.
"Mike, you owe me an explanation."
"I believe you can do it. I've also found a way to beat the Rockets, but that requires you to show the courage to challenge fate. You need to understand that the road to legend has never been smooth. A bunch of cowards will never lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy!"
In the end, the Rockets defeated the Warriors 119-104, cutting the series deficit to 2-3.
Even Nowitzki, who won the championship as a "single core" in 2011, had Terry beside him, whose Finals performance surpassed James's, as well as Chandler, who would be named Defensive Player of the Year the following season.
"We were the better team through the first three quarters, but after Giannis got hurt, we lost our composure. We stopped staying calm, and the Rockets seized the opportunity to come back..."
Without Antetokounmpo, Curry inevitably felt unsettled. He had no confidence in his heart and did not know whether he could still lead the Warriors to a successful title defense.
When Zhang Yu was interviewed, reporters asked about Antetokounmpo's injury, but he knew nothing and said they would have to wait for the examination results the next day. However, he also said Antetokounmpo's injury had been an accident and that he did not believe Tucker had deliberately tried to hurt him.
He did not want to show weakness before Zhang Yu, who was more than thirty years younger than him, but Zhang Yu's past deeds kept him from acting the least bit arrogantly.
He could not demand that his opponents avoid every dangerous play.