In the first quarter, the Grizzlies relied on Link and Tony Allen's outstanding wing defense to steady the game. They hadn't managed to widen the gap, but going into the second quarter with a two-point lead after nearly falling behind by ten was already a success.
Link was undoubtedly one of the brightest stars on the court. Before the game, Pacers head coach Jim O'Brien had barely paid him any attention. But now, that yellow-skinned player was probably all he could think about.
Link's play on both ends of the court in the first quarter looked nothing like that of an undrafted rookie. He was composed and decisive, always confident in his judgment.
Hollins had realized he'd made the right call this time. If Link kept playing like this, the team's small forward position would no longer be a weakness.
That Jeff Austin guy really never worked with lousy players.
Link continued to come off the bench in the second quarter. With seven minutes left, his midrange jumper brought him to ten points for the game. Ten points wasn't much, but for Link, it was a milestone. It was the first time he'd scored in double digits in his brief four-game NBA career.
"Look at him. He's already scored in double digits in his fourth NBA game. Can you find an undrafted rookie better than him? No chance."
"Yeah, yeah," Van Gundy immediately chimed in after hearing Webber. Then he happened to spot Thabeet sitting on the bench with a lost look in his eyes, so Van Gundy added, "Forget undrafted rookies. Link might be better than some lottery picks."
The Grizzlies had taken complete control of the pace in the first quarter, so the next three quarters were easy for them. Link spent most of his time setting up