"If..."
Grunfeld calculated inwardly, If he performs well in the NBA Finals and helps us win the championship, the pressure from public opinion will be enormous. But if he happens to get injured... then we'll hold all the cards.
The thought flashed through his mind, and even he found it rather cold-blooded. He shook his head and brought himself back to reality. What mattered most right now was Game 2. He walked over to Van Gundy and asked quietly, "How's Arvydas doing?"
Van Gundy sighed and lowered his voice. "Not good. The team doctor recommends resting him for Game 2, or strictly limiting his minutes. But you know, Ernie, without him, how are we supposed to battle those two monsters inside?"
"Use him sparingly," Grunfeld said, patting Van Gundy on the shoulder. "Let him rest as much as possible in the first half, then send him in when it matters. We have to think about the entire series."
Van Gundy nodded, his eyes filled with helplessness.
This was the NBA Finals. Every game was a decisive battle, yet you still had to make sacrifices for the longer campaign.
Night fell over New York once again. Madison Square Garden blazed with light, every seat filled.
Game 2 of the NBA Finals was about to begin.
During the pregame interviews, the San Antonio Spurs players were unusually restrained and calm, unlike the trash-talking opponents the Knicks had faced before.
A reporter held a microphone out to Duncan. "Tim, what adjustments have you made after the loss in Game 1, particularly in response to Li Fei's performance over the final five minutes?"
Duncan wore the same unruffled expression as always and answered concisely, "We'll play better. We'll stick to our defensive strategy."
The reporter then asked Robinson, "David, facing Li again, what