Link had actually admitted that going toe-to-toe with Harden in a scoring duel was a dead end.
That inevitably made fans feel there was something fishy going on.
Given Link's personality, he shouldn't have said something like that.
Some believed Link had deliberately said it to make Harden lower his guard.
Once they got on the court, Link's desire to score would definitely be stronger than anyone else's.
Others believed Link was simply telling the truth.
Perhaps Link knew his scoring ability was inferior to Harden's. Rather than stubbornly talking big and losing the game, he might as well admit before the game how strong Harden was. That way, even if he lost, it would not be too embarrassing.
Watching the media and fans outside speculate about his thoughts, Link shook his head in disappointment.
So many people were discussing it, yet not a single one had gotten it right.
Link had said that trading scores with Harden was a dead end not because he was afraid, nor because he was necessarily incapable of outscoring Harden.
It was because, in Link's view, solid defense was the best strategy against the Rockets!
Trade points with Harden? Why would they do that? Was basketball supposed to have offense without defense?
Harden scoring 59 points was indeed because Harden was good. But it was undeniable that there had truly been no defense in that game.
158 to 159—the score alone was enough to show how dreadful both teams' defense had been.
If the Wizards had applied even a little more defensive pressure, Harden could not possibly have played like that.
The Grizzlies had always been a team that valued defense. Outscoring the other side was certainly one way to win, but it was not the only way.
Against the Lakers, although Link had