People had high expectations for this Grizzlies vs. Nets season opener, and both teams rewarded the fans with outstanding performances.
123 to 121, with five seconds remaining, the Grizzlies were down by two.
The game had reached its most nerve-racking moment.
This was exactly the kind of season-opening spectacle fans wanted to see. Both the Grizzlies and Nets had performed like elite teams.
For the Nets, Kelly Irving was undoubtedly the biggest star of the night. He exploded for 37 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists, hitting 5 of 12 from beyond the arc and completely overpowering Conley.
Durant scored 27 points, still playing at the level he had before his injury, and he had also reclaimed the title of "Link's biggest rival" from Leonard.
Dinwiddie scored 20 points on a scorching 62% shooting. Just think about it—if he were still with the Grizzlies, could the Nets have held on this long?
The Grizzlies' performance was even more of a pleasant surprise for the fans.
Link's 34 points and Jokic's 18 were merely routine performances. They were supposed to be this good.
But Dillon Brooks' 21 points, JaMychal Green's 15, Rose's 17, along with Howard's 8 rebounds, 2 blocks, and that crucial save, all exceeded expectations.
The Grizzlies had actually carried their excellent preseason form into the regular season.
"This Grizzlies team undoubtedly has championship DNA. Every one of them delivered an excellent performance tonight. I can now say with certainty that the Memphis Grizzlies are far more than just the fourth-best team in the power rankings."
"Of course, the outcome of this game has yet to be decided. Five seconds remain, and we all know Link will have the ball. He has completed countless spectacular game-winners on this court. I wonder whether Link can do it again this time."