Collapse is Only a Matter of Time

Chris Paul was stripped as soon as he came onto the court, instantly cutting the Clippers' high spirits from halftime in half.

Everyone was asking themselves the same question: "Is Chris Paul really going to get shut down by Link?"

Every Clippers player told himself that it was impossible. Paul would definitely lead them out of this predicament.

But in truth, everyone knew it was entirely possible!

The Clippers, who had originally wanted to make the Grizzlies look bad, were now starting to worry about their own fate instead.

Link stayed in front of Paul, except Paul's momentum was far weaker than it had been moments ago.

"Careful, Chris. That fall earlier must've hurt, huh?" Link lowered his stance as he started running his mouth at Paul.

"You're still down by nine. Don't celebrate too soon, asshole," Paul shot back. He wasn't DeAndre Jordan; Link wasn't going to make him lose his cool with a few words.

Paul continued looking for an opening on offense. When he saw Griffin curl into the midrange and get open for a shot, he prepared to send the ball over.

But Link immediately reached out to cut off the passing lane. Paul couldn't believe Link's defense could be this suffocating!

His reaction speed, physical strength, defensive instincts... they were practically perfect!

Paul pursed his lips. Simply standing still and passing the ball wouldn't create an opening. The point guard had to increase his own offensive threat if he wanted to tear apart the defense.

Only after breaking down the opposing defense could he create opportunities for his teammates.

So Paul tried to use his dribbling and speed to get past Link. A point guard against a small forward was technically a mismatch. Paul believed he still had the advantage in agility.

Paul began rapidly