21 points in a single quarter, 51 points in a single game—his second 50-plus-point performance in the playoffs...
In the very first game of the Finals, Link displayed his unparalleled dominance.
Despite playing through an injury, despite trailing by nine with eight minutes left, despite James putting on a godlike performance, Link still led his team to victory.
Every Memphis fan in the arena was utterly enthralled.
After the win, Link merely stood at center court with both arms raised, without any particularly extravagant celebration. Yet that alone sent the entire FedExForum into a frenzy.
It was only the first win of the series, but it was a great victory.
In just one game, Link had laid his dominance bare for all to see. He made the people of Cleveland understand just how difficult it would be to steal a championship from above his head.
"For the Grizzlies, this undoubtedly takes them a huge step closer to their goal of a three-peat. Though the margin was narrow, the power the Grizzlies displayed was incredibly despair-inducing." Mike Breen shook his head.
Indeed, the margin had not been large. The Cavaliers had only lost by a few points, and it seemed as though they still had plenty of chances to win.
But in truth, the frightening part of this game was not the score difference. It was the invincible strength that Link and the Grizzlies had displayed!
The kind of strength a team chasing a three-peat should possess!
At the postgame press conference, LeBron James, who should have been the star of the day, wore a dejected expression.
This game had been a devastating blow to morale. Not only had he lost the game, but he had also been completely defeated by Link in their one-on-one matchup.
The image of him going