A Terrifying Memory from 16 Years Ago

Just as people had been full of expectations for the Trail Blazers two days ago, today the Pacers carried the hopes of countless fans as well.

"The final line of defense standing between the Grizzlies and 72 wins." That slogan alone was enough to prove this game's importance in the hearts of fans.

Although the Trail Blazers had still fallen just short of overturning the Grizzlies in their last game, people remained full of confidence in the Pacers today.

People thought that perhaps the Pacers could take that final step the Trail Blazers had failed to make.

The reason was simple: the Pacers had Paul George.

Handsome, versatile, tall, long-limbed, and leading an excellent team... If one had to pick the player most capable of giving Link trouble besides James and Durant, then Paul George was undoubtedly the answer.

He possessed nearly every condition for success. He had led his team to the best record in the East, his individual performances were outstanding, and he had superior physical tools compared to Link. Even his face had the look of a superstar.

Most importantly, George had just gone toe-to-toe with Link in a scoring duel their last time out. The facts had proven that once the two got rolling, George would not be easily left behind.

Stopping Link and preventing the Grizzlies from breaking the 72-win record—George was practically the perfect man for the job.

"Paul George was outstanding in his last game. Against the Bulls' suffocating, clingy defense, while his teammates lost their touch under that relentless pressure, George poured in 33 points on a scorching 62.4% shooting to help the Pacers survive the crisis! He has been in great form lately, and he must be looking forward to this game as well. Maybe today, George will really let Link