You Made a Mistake

Doc Rivers had originally planned to blow the game wide open in the second quarter. Instead, he was now thinking about how to cut the deficit.

Rivers had badly misjudged DeAndre Jordan and Griffin's abilities. He had never expected that, even after containing Link, the Clippers would be battered bloody by Gasol and a ten-day contract player...

But a nine-point deficit was not the end of the world for the Clippers. Rivers still had plenty of hope for the game.

"In the second half, we'll play man-to-man. Whiteside has no offensive skills whatsoever, no isolation ability. Gasol's efficiency will also plummet against physical defense. As for Link..." Rivers glanced at Paul as he spoke.

"Link barely took any shots in the second quarter and only had 10 points by halftime. His physical condition must have deteriorated badly. Barnes, you can handle him in the second half. If not, Chris, you guard Link."

Rivers knew full well that the biggest downside of man-to-man defense was that it would free Link up.

But based on Link's previous performance, Rivers still held out a sliver of hope. He believed Link might not be able to give it his all.

"I'd love to!" Paul rubbed his hands together. He was never afraid of defending opponents bigger than himself.

Paul had heard every word Link said in his halftime interview. Not to mention how Link had provoked him countless times in the second quarter.

No matter what, he would not give up on this game! Paul hated being insulted, and he would show Link who was boss.

The second half began quickly. DeAndre Jordan and Griffin both came onto the court with their heads lowered.

After getting blown apart like that in the second quarter, they naturally had no face to show.

Paul patted their