Four minutes earlier, the Cavaliers had led by 5. They held the advantage and seemed poised to finish the game in one push in the fourth quarter.
Four minutes later, the Cavaliers led by 9. Their advantage had grown, but the outcome was no longer so clear.
The gap should have been widened even further. Only by completely pulling away could the Cavaliers consider the game secured.
Because everyone knew that a 9-point lead was not safe at all against Link.
Especially against a Link who had just gotten four minutes of rest.
"Stay focused! Eight minutes left—just hold on for another eight minutes, and we'll take this damn win! We're still ahead, and we still have the initiative! Keep executing our defensive strategy, and we'll be the last ones standing!"
David Blatt had become incredibly tense. This might have been the first time he had been so afraid while holding a 9-point lead.
Over the first three quarters, Link had completely reshaped Blatt's understanding of the word "powerful."
Blatt still vividly remembered every one of Link's miraculous shots. You simply could not believe this was a player competing through an injury.
Though Link's shooting percentage had dipped in the third quarter due to the stamina issues that followed his injury, he had rested for four full minutes now.
There was no telling what kind of performance this guy would unleash next.
James gritted his teeth and sucked in huge breaths of air. His battle with Iguodala had drained a great deal of his energy, and he was starting to feel weak.
If Link truly came back in and had no intention of sitting again before the final buzzer, James would have to hold out for the entire quarter!
Eight minutes, protecting a 9-point lead... it had to be said,