Countless fans wearing No. 23 Knicks jerseys had already begun discussing championship parade routes and celebration venues on social media.
All of New York was buzzing in anticipation of its second championship trophy.
The Knicks already had one foot in the hall of champions.
Two days later, Game 4 of the NBA Finals took place at the AT&T Center once again.
Everyone believed this would be the Spurs' final stand for their pride—and the Knicks' coronation night.
People speculated about what adjustments Popovich would make. Perhaps he would triple-team Li Fei from the opening tip, or simply give up and let the game slide into garbage time.
Yet once the game began, everyone was once again stunned by Popovich's stubbornness.
The script seemed like a perfect replay of Game 3.
From the very first minute, the Spurs steadfastly double-teamed Li Fei.
Duncan and Robinson were like two guardian gods, never leaving his side.
And just as he had in the previous game, Li Fei patiently searched for the openings created by the double-team, sending the ball into the hands of Allan Houston, Larry Johnson, and Sabonis again and again.
Bodies collided, shoes scraped against the floor, and the score remained neck and neck.
But today, something seemed different.
The cool evening breeze in San Antonio seemed to have chilled the Knicks' outside shooting.
Several of Allan Houston's open midrange shots clanged off the rim, while Sabonis's hooks in the paint missed their mark as well.
Even Li Fei's touch was unusually ordinary on the few attempts he took after occasionally shaking off the double-team.
The Spurs, by contrast, embodied the desperate resolve of a team with its back against the wall.
Duncan attacked decisively and efficiently in the low post, while Elliott and Mario Ellie seemed blessed from beyond the