"Link was outstanding in the third quarter. He completely erased Josh Smith's magical aura! But now that Link is off the court, can Josh quickly find his form again?"
Everyone knew that this was the time for Link to head to the bench and rest.
With Link on the court, Josh had indeed been thoroughly shut down. But without Link, that eight-point lead no longer seemed quite so secure.
After the timeout, as expected, the Grizzlies sent out their second unit, with Iguodala replacing Link.
"Link gave the Grizzlies an eight-point lead, but that isn't safe. I believe Houston's Headband Gang can erase that gap. The Christmas Day Games won't end so easily." The commentator was still eager for more, believing the game would repeat the pattern of the first half.
Josh Smith had also pulled himself together. The nightmare was over, and now the game was bright again!
Link sat on the bench and wiped away his sweat. Through the entire third quarter so far, Josh had yet to score a single point.
And after being worn down by Link, Josh was somewhat fatigued as well.
Iguodala's physical condition had indeed not recovered to one hundred percent, but dealing with an exhausted Josh was more than manageable!
As play resumed, Josh Smith looked at Iguodala like a homeless man who had gone three days and nights without food before spotting a hamburger, his eyes full of hunger and thirst.
Everyone, including McHale, believed Josh could easily score over Iguodala. After all, that was how the Rockets had built their lead in the first half.
So on the first possession after the timeout, the ball was handed to Josh.
"Josh Smith is posting up Iguodala. Iguodala has been targeted all game. Over the past few minutes, Josh was thoroughly humiliated