"Link, I lost..."
Jokic's voice was somewhat dejected over the phone.
He had battled the Dream Team until the final second, single-handedly dismantled their three big men, and posted numbers close to a triple-double.
Any other player would have been overjoyed with a performance like that.
But Jokic was downcast. In his eyes, he still hadn't done well enough today.
He should have won the game.
"It's okay. In everyone's eyes, you've already won," Link comforted Jokic. "Besides, you're different from the others. You still have another chance."
"After the Olympic Games, you'll still get to share the court with those guys from the Dream Team. And I believe that the next time you face them, you won't lose again. Keep your chin up. You've got a long road ahead."
"Okay, Link."
"Oh, right. When you get back... when you get back, I'll still give you three days to drink Coke freely."
Link ended the call with a smile. Had Jokic really lost?
Not necessarily.
Even Spain, another title favorite, probably couldn't have pushed the Dream Team that far.
What's more, Jokic had completely dominated all three of his direct matchups individually.
Link promised himself that he wouldn't let Jokic lose again.
After that game ended, Link finally put down the burden that had been weighing on his mind.
As long as the others competing abroad could maintain their form, Link had nothing to worry about.
Next, all he needed to do was handle things at the training camp.
After making a guest appearance as a commentator, Link returned to the training camp once more.
Before that, however, Jeff Austin reached an agreement with Kobe, and Link officially became the brand ambassador for Kobe's sports drink.
And aside from the usual endorsement fee, Kobe also gave Link a 3% stake.