The Real Scorer

After Link dunked on Dwight Howard, Dwight shot Motiejunas a meaningful look.

The Lithuanian nodded in understanding. With their absolute height advantage, the Rockets would not let Link drive to the basket at will.

The gap was now just five points. The Rockets had to stop the Grizzlies from cutting further into the lead. Otherwise, they would lose control of the game.

The furious Howard decided to keep wreaking havoc in the paint. After being provoked by Link, he wanted to score more than anyone else on the Rockets.

Howard fought aggressively for position, knowing Gasol would not dare do much to him. The Spaniard already had two fouls. One more, and he would be sitting out the rest of the second quarter.

Howard was more than happy to squeeze a "soft persimmon" like that.

On the other side, Link knew he had to come over and help. Though the Grizzlies had put this lineup on the floor for offense, they could not let Howard score without restraint every possession. They had to put up some resistance.

So Link looked at the green Motiejunas and flashed that trademark smug grin—the kind that made people want to punch him on sight.

"Hey, rookie. Believe it or not, you won't score a single point with me guarding you. Seriously, you won't even get a chance to draw a foul."

Motiejunas froze for a moment. He clearly had not expected Link to talk trash to him. Link was already unlikeable enough, but with that grin that said, "I don't think anyone here is worth my time," he was downright infuriating!

Motiejunas had not actually been happy during his first two years with the Rockets. In his first year, his lack of experience had left him spending most of his time in the G