Link had been right about James after all; his caution had been justified.
If the Cavaliers could have been completely dealt with in just one game, Link would not have needed to fight until he was utterly exhausted in the last one. It was precisely because every game was so crucial that Link refused to give up any chance to win.
The Cleveland Cavaliers had not disappointed Link, though he could hardly be happy about their performance.
Kelly Irving's clutch three-pointer just now had caught Link off guard. This flashy guard had matured ahead of schedule. In moments like this, Irving no longer had much tuition to pay.
He had to admit that he had made the wrong read on that possession and had not defended it properly.
Link had always been the one who saved his team from the brink. But today, one bad judgment by Link had dragged the Grizzlies into the mire.
At the commentary table, Kevin Harlan and Mike Breen were discussing the same issue.
"Something like this is extremely rare over Link's entire career. He chose to double-team James and leave Irving open, and most importantly, he allowed James to make the pass. Of course, Link has already been outstanding tonight. He has put up a double-double of 41 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists, and scoring 40-plus points in two straight playoff games is no easy feat. But that defensive misread from Link just now could very well bury all of his previous efforts!"
"That's right. There are only 41 seconds left, so Link does not have much time to make up for his mistake. If the Grizzlies lose this game, Link will definitely be devastated!"
The eyes of the entire world once again focused on the man who had scored 51 points just