Surprised (Fourth update)

Gregg Popovich's confidence had always rested on his firm belief that the Grizzlies would use a traditional two-big lineup.

That way, the Spurs' one-big, four-small setup would perfectly counter the Grizzlies. With Leonard defending Link, beating the Grizzlies would be no problem.

But as soon as the game began today, the situation exceeded Popovich's expectations. The Grizzlies had actually changed their lineup! A team fans mocked for "running one starting lineup into the ground" had actually taken the initiative to make an adjustment!

It was not just Popovich. Many people, even Grizzlies fans, had not expected this!

Popovich could not help turning to look at the other end of the court, his gaze landing on Dave Joerger.

Although Joerger was this year's Coach of the Year, Popovich did not consider him some tactical genius. In Popovich's assessment, Joerger was the kind of coach who would not make mistakes, but would not bring too many surprises either.

He had always believed that Joerger could not possibly find a way to deal with the Spurs' one-big, four-small lineup. Just like Scott Brooks—hadn't he and his Thunder failed to adjust all this time?

But the Grizzlies' starting lineup now forced Popovich to reassess Joerger.

Could that guy have already realized that the Spurs were actually playing one big and four small?

Popovich shook his head and stopped dwelling on that mess.

What Popovich did not know was that Joerger had prepared a response so early because he had a player beside him who had just been selected to the All-NBA First Team.

After the Grizzlies brought the ball up, the Spurs spread their defense wide. Clearly, they were very confident in their one-on-one coverage.

But at that moment, Duncan was the one having the hardest time defensively. Because the Grizzlies were playing one