Since the start of the 2016–17 season, Link had swept aside every opponent he encountered.
This wasn't because of the Grizzlies' 27–1 record. Even when a team won, its star player did not necessarily have the best performance in the game.
For example, although the Rockets beat the Warriors in early December, Harden's individual performance in that game had actually been inferior to Durant's.
You could say the Rockets defeated the Warriors, but you couldn't say Harden defeated Durant.
Link, however, not only won games—he also outplayed his direct rivals in almost every single one.
Against the Bucks on November 4, the Grizzlies won by 18, while Link utterly crushed Antetokounmpo with an all-around stat line of 33 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists, 3 steals, and 4 blocks.
Against the Clippers on November 5, never mind the Grizzlies' eventual 35-point victory—Link's 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists were better than Paul and Griffin's numbers combined.
Against the Trail Blazers on November 7, Link posted 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, then hit the game-winner to completely shut down Portland's backcourt duo.
Against the "Galactic Battleship" Warriors on December 5, Link put up 45 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists—the best performance of the game!
Against the Lakers and Lou Williams, Link had 48 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, taking down another opponent.
Against the Rockets and Harden, Link had even produced the "greatest triple-double in history"...
From the Bucks to the Rockets, from Antetokounmpo to Bearded Harden, the Grizzlies had faced more than one monster this season.
Yet without exception, every last one of them had been trampled beneath Link's feet.
Whether you bulldozed through opponents on physical talent or relied on foul-baiting, stats, and efficiency-based offense, Link could handle you.
In other words, from the start