Identical scripts in the East and West!

Inside the arena, the lights flared to life as the players from both teams took the court.

At NBC's broadcast desk, star play-by-play announcer Bob Costas was delivering his pregame analysis.

"Last night in Chicago, we witnessed a godlike 78-point performance from Li Fei. The Knicks routed the Bulls on the road and took Game 5."

Costas looked at the notes in his hand and said pointedly, "The way this Western Conference series has unfolded is practically a mirror image of the one in the East. The same 2–2 tie, the same fifth game. I have a feeling the Spurs might walk away with a road victory tonight, too."

Beside him, analyst Doug Collins nodded in agreement. "That's right. History has a remarkable way of repeating itself. When a team demonstrates superior tactical discipline and consistency over a series, Game 5 is often when it breaks through. The Lakers rely too heavily on talent, while the Spurs... they rely on their system."

The whistle sounded to start the game.

Just as the commentators had predicted, the same script really did seem to be playing out again.

O'Neal won the tip, but the Lakers looked impatient on their very first possession. Kobe caught the ball on the wing and forced a pull-up jumper against his defender. The ball clanged off the rim.

At the other end, the Spurs approached their offense without a hint of hurry.

Point guard Avery Johnson, the "Little General," dribbled across half court and signaled with his hand. Every Spurs player moved into position.

The ball went to Duncan in the low post.

In a half-court battle like this, the Spurs' twin towers displayed their advantage to the fullest.

In fact, Duncan had landed in an incredibly favorable situation in this series.

The Lakers' defensive focus revolved