Link finished with 43 points, 9 rebounds, and 11 assists, then completed a steal with 4.2 seconds left before shaking off James and hitting the game-winning shot.
For the second straight game of the Finals, Link delivered a magical performance.
He successfully defended the Grizzlies' home court, winning both games in Memphis.
The entire world was stunned. In the end, Link had actually made a fake on the defensive end. That bold strategy rendered the Cavaliers' persistence futile.
The Cavaliers had played far better today than in the previous game. James posted a 30-point triple-double, while Kelly Irving efficiently poured in 26 points, including that crucial three-pointer with 41 seconds left.
Love went 5-for-8 from beyond the arc and scored 22 points as well.
Even Mozgov, who had barely made his presence felt before, played exceptionally well today. Though his stats did not look impressive, the Russian fully displayed the fighting spirit of a "combat nation" on the basketball court.
Until 4.2 seconds before the end, the Cleveland Cavaliers had still been in the lead.
But now, all that effort had vanished into thin air.
The Cavaliers trailed 0-2 and had no choice but to face the worst possible situation.
"The Cavaliers have no way out. One foot is already hanging over the cliff's edge. All the Grizzlies need is a gentle push, and LeBron and his teammates will be smashed to pieces." Mike Breen let out a long breath, finally easing the tension in his heart.
The Grizzlies had been chasing the score ever since the fourth quarter began. With the twelve minutes nearly gone, they still had not managed to tie it. Then, with just over forty seconds remaining, Irving had made matters worse by drilling that deadly three.
Every fan in the arena was surely as nervous