After the first quarter ended, every Grizzlies fan had broken out in a cold sweat.
It was not the first time they had trailed after the opening quarter, but falling behind because Link's shot was off was indeed an extremely rare occurrence.
Rockets fans, meanwhile, were ecstatic. It seemed Harden had finally planted his foot firmly on Link, his stepping stone!
When a player was shooting poorly, there was little even a head coach could do. Not even the greatest basketball coach in the world could change a player's awful shooting touch.
Just as Bill Simmons had said, shooting touch was a mysterious and intangible thing.
Being highly skilled did not guarantee that you would shoot accurately in every game.
But there were ways to play even when the shots were not falling. Joerger still believed Link could lead the team out of the mud—they merely needed to change their approach.
"Second quarter, Link, I need you to attack off the dribble more and keep drawing contact! Dwyane, keep resting for now. Richardson, I want you starting at the two in the second quarter. Remember, the four of you need to space the floor for Link and make it easier for him to attack the rim!"
Joerger showed no discouragement or frustration. Neither had any use when it came to coaching a game.
When problems arose, solve them. That was what a coach was supposed to do.
Joerger took Wade out because he wanted to increase the Grizzlies' threat from beyond the three-point line and create even more room for Link.
If the shots were not falling, then drives to the basket had to work.
Link nodded softly. It seemed he would have to experience James's "one star, four shooters" style of play today.
Of course, attacking the rim was