David Robinson leaned forward slightly, his tone steady.
"I'll take on more of the burden of double-teaming O'Neal."
"I'll initiate contact early and do everything I can to keep him from receiving passes comfortably."
Duncan remained calm, but his eyes burned with fighting spirit.
"On offense, I'll take more initiative in facilitating."
"After drawing the opposing interior defense, I'll kick the ball out and create opportunities for our perimeter teammates. Our outside shooting didn't fully open up in Game 1. In Game 2, everyone needs to step up."
Popovich looked toward the perimeter players.
"Mario Elie, Steve Smith."
"You are our most crucial sources of outside firepower."
"When O'Neal is double-teamed and the ball swings to you, you must shoot decisively. Don't hesitate."
Inside the meeting room, the coaching staff continued refining every rotation and coverage assignment.
They repeatedly worked through the switching routes after double-teaming O'Neal.
They simulated defensive positioning for Kobe after he received the ball from every spot on the court.
One offensive set after another was brought out and polished repeatedly.
No one checked the time as the hours kept slipping away.
Outside the window, the sky faintly began to lighten with the first pale glow of dawn.
After the meeting ended, the players still did not return to their apartments to rest.
They headed onto the practice court.
The thumping sound of basketballs striking the floor rose and fell through the empty arena.
Duncan stayed beneath the basket, repeatedly practicing his passing reads after low-post contact.
Robinson kept drilling positioning and fronting defense under physical pressure.
The perimeter players ran through screens again and again, practicing catch-and-shoot threes.
The San Antonio Spurs had sharpened their fangs for Game 2 at home.
They refused to head to Los Angeles down 0-2.
New York, an Upper East