Leonard's last-minute steal on James and his huge block on Davis became the hottest highlights of the past few days.
"The expressionless guy's" historic defensive performance made people break out in a cold sweat for Link.
Although the Grizzlies had not encountered any trouble in the playoffs so far, remaining undefeated and displaying their overwhelming dominance, the Clippers' strength could not be lumped together with that of the Mavericks and Jazz.
The Mavericks and Jazz were certainly not weak, but they were not championship contenders. If you put either the Mavericks or Jazz up against the Lakers, they would never have lasted until Game 7.
Moreover, during the regular season, the Clippers had caused the Grizzlies more trouble than any other team, without exception.
The Grizzlies faced the Clippers four times this season and managed only a 2-2 record.
One had to remember that the Grizzlies had lost only seven games all season. The Clippers accounted for two of them!
And in the two games the Grizzlies won, the scores were 119-118 and 113-112. Both victories came by just one point!
That was the strength of the Los Angeles Clippers.
They had not suddenly become powerful only after reaching the playoffs.
Therefore, it was only natural that people were now worried about the fate of Link and the Grizzlies.
The Los Angeles Clippers had become the greatest obstacle on Link's path to godhood.
As soon as the Western Conference semifinals ended, the Grizzlies-Clippers matchup became the hottest topic among fans.
No one knew whether Leonard could make his name in the Western Conference Finals, stepping over Link's legendary silhouette to become a god in a single battle.
Nor did anyone know whether Link could overcome the obstacle that was the Clippers and continue marching toward his goal of four straight