Ben Simmons's strong performance after the opening tip gave Philadelphia fans tremendous confidence.
The Philadelphia 76ers ranked sixth in the league in defensive efficiency, making them one of the NBA's best defensive teams.
Ben Simmons undoubtedly played a crucial role in that.
This season, Simmons had mostly been matched up against guards, able to shut down opponents' offense right at the source.
After that tomahawk dunk, Simmons glanced toward the sideline, seemingly locking eyes with someone.
Sure enough, Jenner was sitting courtside.
Link curled his lip. It looked like Simmons would be especially fired up today too. They had to find a way to contain him.
So on the Grizzlies' next possession, Conley did not continue bringing the ball up and organizing the offense.
Link took over as the ball-handler.
For most teams with only one primary playmaker, Simmons's defense could choke off their offense at its source.
But the Grizzlies had always been a team with multiple playmaking hubs. From Conley to Link to Gasol, all of them could organize the offense.
On the sideline, Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown curled his lip. As expected of the reigning champions and the architects of two dynasties. The Grizzlies players knew how to adjust without needing their coach to remind them.
Conley had only been stifled for one possession, yet the Grizzlies had already switched ball-handlers. Their adaptability was exceptional.
Link remained calm in the face of Tobias Harris's defense.
Harris was also an excellent defender, but in a one-on-one matchup against Link, he was still at a disadvantage.
Link directed the offense from beyond the three-point line. Rather than immediately launching into relentless isolation plays, he tried to connect the offense like a true point guard.
Just as Embiid was still staring intently at Link, ready to provide help