Link drifted to the right side of the midrange and knocked down a fadeaway jumper over Green's horrified face, delivering the final blow.
The ball fell through the net almost at the exact moment the backboard lit up red.
When time expired, Oracle Arena fell deathly silent.
Everyone stared blankly at the swaying net, unable to believe what had happened before their eyes.
On the giant screen, the score changed to 113-111, with the visitors ahead and the home team behind.
This was the Grizzlies' first lead of the game. For the first time, their score had surpassed the Warriors'.
And that single lead was enough to win them the game!
After seeing the ball go in, Link raised his right arm high and held up one finger—the number one.
One—the final shot Link used to kill the Golden State Warriors.
One—the Grizzlies stood united, weathered the hardship, and climbed out of the enormous hole.
Of course, that one also represented first place in the West.
Link's shot had not only won the game for the Grizzlies, but had also completely shattered the Warriors' dream of claiming the Western Conference's top seed.
After this game, the Grizzlies led the Warriors by two games. And there was only one game left in the regular season.
That meant that even if the Grizzlies lost their final game and the Warriors won theirs, the Warriors would still finish behind the Grizzlies!
Sixty-six wins, yet second place in the West... that was an absolute humiliation.
People always said second place was the biggest loser. Especially when it came with such an outstanding record.
After Link hit the game-winner, the Grizzlies players all rushed toward him at once, surrounding him completely.
Though Link was "drowned" by his teammates, his raised arm never came down.
First