Chapter Summaries

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Grizzlies play the Thunder in their second game, with both teams having played the previous day (Grizzlies vs. Rockets, Thunder vs. Grizzlies).
• Durant is seeking revenge against Link for the Grizzlies' first-round playoff elimination last season.
• Durant guards Link throughout the game, making it difficult for Link to receive the ball and score.

Character Developments

• Link is exhausted from the previous day's practice with Jimmy Butler and Tony Allen, but he's determined to give his all against Durant.
• Durant is focused and intense, driven by his desire to avenge his team's playoff loss to the Grizzlies.

Significant Themes

• Revenge: Durant's primary motivation is to avenge his team's playoff loss to the Grizzlies.
• Determination: Both Link and Durant display immense determination to win, with Link aiming to conserve energy and Durant eager to prove himself.
• Rivalry: The game highlights the intense rivalry between the Grizzlies and the Thunder, with Durant and Link as the central figures in this feud.

Character Interactions

• Durant and Link: Their intense rivalry is the central focus of the game, with Durant guarding Link tightly and Link trying to find ways to score despite Durant's defense.
• Link and his teammates: Link communicates with his teammates, particularly Randolph and Gay, about the game and their strategies.
• Durant and his teammates: Durant interacts with Westbrook, sharing a high-five after his dunk, indicating their strong team chemistry.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Thunder starts the game strongly, leading 8-2 after a few minutes.
• Hollins, frustrated with the Grizzlies' stagnant offense, decides to use Link as the point guard.
• Link successfully brings the ball up and assists Tony Allen for the Grizzlies' first score in a while.

Character Developments

• Kevin Durant is determined to vent his frustration from the previous losses, playing aggressively on both offense and defense.
• Link, though surprised and nervous about playing point guard, shows good decision-making and passing skills in his new role.

Significant Themes

• Resilience and adaptability: The Grizzlies, despite a poor start, find a way to adapt their strategy with Link at point guard.
• Frustration and coping mechanisms: Durant's aggressive play reflects his pent-up frustration, while Link's calm response to his new role shows his ability to cope with unexpected situations.

Character Interactions

• Durant's aggressive defense against Link leads to a tense standoff between them.
• Link's successful assist to Tony Allen shows his ability to lead the team's offense despite the pressure from Durant.
• Hollins' decision to use Link as a point guard shows his willingness to take risks and adapt his strategy to counter the Thunder's strengths.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Link plays point guard for the Grizzlies against the Thunder.
• The Thunder struggles to score against the Grizzlies' defensive adjustments.
• Link uses his defensive prowess and passing ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
• Westbrook becomes frustrated and attempts to score on his own, leading to missed shots and turnovers.

Character Developments

• Link demonstrates his versatility by playing point guard and contributing with assists and defense.
• Westbrook shows frustration and immaturity in his decision-making, leading to poor shot selection.
• Durant becomes more involved in the offense but struggles with the Grizzlies' defensive adjustments.

Significant Themes

• The importance of team play and unselfishness in basketball.
• The struggle between individual ego and team success.
• The role of defense in determining the outcome of a game.

Character Interactions

• Link and Westbrook engage in a defensive battle, with Link successfully containing Westbrook's drives and forcing him into difficult shots.
• Durant and Westbrook have differing opinions on how to approach the game, with Durant preferring a more efficient and team-oriented approach, while Westbrook favors a more aggressive and individualistic style.
• Hollins' decision to have Link play point guard proves to be a turning point in the game, as it allows the Grizzlies to neutralize the Thunder's offense.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Grizzlies trail Thunder 20-23 at the end of the first quarter.
• Link guards Westbrook, holding him scoreless in the first quarter.
• Durant scores consistently, keeping the Thunder in the lead.
• Link scores on Westbrook in isolation, provoking him.
• Westbrook struggles with scoring, going 0-for-11 in the fourth quarter.
• Durant scores a turnaround jumper, putting the Thunder up by 1 point with three minutes left.

Character Developments

• Link grows into a true centerpiece, carrying the Grizzlies' offense and defense.
• Westbrook struggles with his shooting, unable to score despite Link's provocation.
• Durant maintains his scoring form, carrying the Thunder despite Westbrook's struggles.

Significant Themes

• The importance of a reliable point guard (Link) in controlling the game's tempo and creating opportunities for teammates.
• The impact of a scoring champion (Durant) on a team's offense, even when other players are struggling.
• The consequences of poor shot selection and lack of composure (Westbrook's 0-for-11 performance).

Character Interactions

• Link and Westbrook: Link provokes Westbrook with his scoring and defense, leading to Westbrook's poor shooting performance.
• Durant and Westbrook: Durant is frustrated with Westbrook's inability to score, but also motivated to carry the Thunder himself.
• Hollins and Link: Hollins tasks Link with guarding Durant in the final three minutes, recognizing his importance as a core player.

Key Plot Points and Events

• With three minutes left, the Thunder lead by one. Kevin Durant scores, showing emotion, while Russell Westbrook struggles, scoring 0 points in 11 attempts.
• Coach Scott Brooks benches Westbrook in favor of James Harden for the final three minutes.
• Durant defends Link on the final possessions, and they trade baskets, with Durant scoring 32 points and Link 22 points, including a crucial assist to Zach Randolph for the game-winning basket.

Character Developments

• Kevin Durant shows increased emotion and takes charge in the final minutes.
• Russell Westbrook struggles offensively but remains supportive of his teammates.
• James Harden steps up as a scoring threat and plays crucial minutes.
• Zach Randolph improves his three-point shooting, making a clutch shot to win the game.
• Link demonstrates his versatility, scoring 22 points and recording 10 assists, proving he's more than just a scorer.

Significant Themes

• The importance of clutch performance and decision-making under pressure.
• The balance between individual scoring and team play.
• The evolution of players' roles and skills over time.

Character Interactions

• Durant and Link's rivalry intensifies as they trade baskets and compete defensively in the final minutes.
• Westbrook's support for Durant despite his own struggles.
• Randolph and Link's chemistry, culminating in the game-winning play.
• Coach Scott Brooks' tough decision to bench Westbrook in favor of Harden.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Link, an undrafted player, becomes the first rookie from the 2010 class to record a double-double (20+10) in the 2011-12 season.
• In a crucial game against the Thunder, Link leads the Grizzlies to a 98-96 victory with a stellar performance (22 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds) and a game-saving defensive play against Kevin Durant.
• The Grizzlies, without key players Mike Conley and Darrell Arthur, prove they can compete with strong teams.

Character Developments

• Link demonstrates remarkable improvement, silencing critics who previously doubted his abilities.
• Kevin Durant struggles with the weight of expectations and the pressure to avenge a previous loss to the Grizzlies.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance and improvement (Link's journey from undrafted to leading player)
• Pressure and expectations (Durant's struggle to live up to his status as a superstar)
• Teamwork and adaptability (Grizzlies' ability to win without key players)

Character Interactions

• Link and Durant's intense on-court rivalry, culminating in a dramatic final possession where Link defends Durant's game-winning attempt.
• Link and his Grizzlies teammates celebrate their victory together, highlighting their growing bond and trust in each other.
• Scott Brooks, Thunder coach, strategizes against the Grizzlies, trying to outmaneuver Hubie Brown, Grizzlies' coach, but ultimately falls short.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Grizzlies lose to the Thunder by 2 points, ending their winning streak.
• Link faces criticism from the media for his performance in the clutch.
• The Grizzlies face the Spurs, with Duncan leading them to a 95-90 victory.
• Link proposes a "beard challenge" to motivate the team to finish in the top four in the Western Conference.

Character Developments

• Durant shows resilience after the loss, while Westbrook is embarrassed.
• Duncan proves he's still a force to be reckoned with, leading the Spurs to victory.
• Link demonstrates his leadership by proposing the beard challenge.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance and resilience in the face of setbacks (Durant, Grizzlies).
• The importance of teamwork and unity (Grizzlies' response to Link's challenge).
• The power of motivation and goal-setting (the beard challenge).

Character Interactions

• Link and Durant have a tense relationship, with Durant feeling overshadowed by Link.
• Link and Randolph bond over their shared love for competition and trash-talk.
• Link and Duncan face off, with Duncan getting the better of Randolph this time.
• Link and Kawhi Leonard have their first on-court encounter, with Leonard showing promise.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Derrick Rose's rapid rise and success in the NBA, becoming the youngest MVP and leading the Bulls to the Eastern Conference Finals in his third season.
• The Bulls' strong start to the 2011-12 season, winning their first three games.
• The upcoming game between the Chicago Bulls and Memphis Grizzlies, with both teams eager to win.
• Link, an undrafted player, leading his team to the Western Conference Finals and earning recognition despite being dismissed by Chicago media compared to Rose.

Character Developments

• Derrick Rose: Established as an exceptional young talent, living up to the hype and expectations, and becoming a leader for the Bulls.
• Link: Proven to be a remarkable player despite being undrafted, displaying leadership and dedication to his team's success.

Significant Themes

• The pressure and expectations that come with being a top draft pick (Rose) versus an undrafted player (Link).
• The media's influence and favoritism towards local players.
• The importance of focus and discipline in sports, as demonstrated by Link's strict enforcement of the no-shaving rule.

Character Interactions

• The friendly rivalry and mutual respect between Rose and Link, with both players acknowledged as exceptional talents in their own right.
• The competitive dynamic between the Bulls and Grizzlies, with each team eager to prove themselves against the other.
• The camaraderie among the Grizzlies players, as they tease each other about their unkempt appearances due to Link's no-shaving rule.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Link has a good shooting warm-up, but the Bulls' defense is formidable.
• The Bulls' starting lineup, known for their defensive prowess, takes the court.
• Derrick Rose scores a difficult layup against Marc Gasol Jr. to start the game.
• The Grizzlies struggle offensively against the Bulls' defense, with poor shooting from Gasol, Gay, and Randolph.
• The Grizzlies' first quarter ends with a dismal 12 points and a 25-12 deficit.

Character Developments

• Link remains confident despite the Bulls' strong defense.
• Derrick Rose showcases his MVP-caliber abilities, both offensively and defensively.
• Marc Gasol Jr. demonstrates his defensive skills but struggles to contain Rose.
• Tony Allen, Mike Conley, and Zach Randolph have quiet games offensively.

Significant Themes

• Defense: The chapter emphasizes the importance of defense, with both teams prioritizing it and the Bulls' defense dominating the game.
• Offense vs. Defense: The Grizzlies' struggles offensively highlight the Bulls' defensive strength.
• MVP-caliber Player: Derrick Rose's performance showcases the impact a top-tier player can have on a game.

Character Interactions

• Link and Rose: Link watches Rose before the game, feeling determined to prove himself against the superstar.
• Link and Brewer: Link drives past Ronnie Brewer, exploiting his decreased lateral speed.
• Link and Deng: Luol Deng contests Rudy Gay's shot, showcasing his defensive skills.
• Thibodeau and the Media: Thibodeau initially believes the Grizzlies will be difficult to handle but changes his mind as the game progresses.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Grizzlies struggle in the first quarter, scoring only 12 points against the Bulls.
• Link and Randolph motivate the team during the break, leading to a renewed energy.
• Link scores two consecutive three-pointers to start the second quarter, reducing the deficit to 7 points.

Character Developments

• Link shows leadership and confidence, taking charge of the offense and motivating his teammates.
• Randolph supports Link's leadership and helps rally the team.
• Hollins adjusts the offense to focus on off-ball movement and catch-and-shoot attempts, with Link as the primary scoring option.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.
• The importance of teamwork and support.
• The role of confidence and leadership in turning a game around.

Character Interactions

• Link and Randolph work together to motivate the team and lead them back into the game.
• Link and Korver engage in a personal rivalry, with Link using his three-pointers to strike back against Korver's previous dominance.
• Hollins adjusts the offense to cater to Link's strengths, showing trust in his abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Thibodeau's substitution of Korver for Brewer allows Link to score two consecutive three-pointers, narrowing the Bulls' lead.
• Rose takes charge, scoring a layup to push the lead back to nine.
• Link responds with a post-up game, scoring eight straight points, including a fadeaway jumper and a spin move around Korver.
• Rose struggles with his mid-range shooting, missing a crucial shot.
• Link scores 10 straight points, prompting Thibodeau to call a timeout and substitute Brewer for Korver.

Character Developments

• Derrick Rose: Struggles with his mid-range shooting, highlighting a decline in his performance from previous seasons.
• Kyle Korver: Panics after being subbed out and plays aggressively but ineffectively on offense. Struggles with defense, particularly in the post.
• Link: Proves his versatility by scoring from various positions and situations, answering Rose's baskets, and boosting team morale.

Significant Themes

• Adaptability: Link's ability to adapt to different offensive situations and matchups.
• Coaching Decisions: Thibodeau's substitution choices and their impact on the game's outcome.
• Player Development: Rose's struggles with his mid-range shooting, indicating a decline in his performance.

Character Interactions

• Link vs. Korver: Link toys with Korver on offense, scoring multiple baskets against him.
• Rose vs. Link: Rose and Link engage in a scoring battle, with Link ultimately gaining the upper hand.
• Thibodeau vs. His Decisions: Thibodeau regrets his initial substitution and is forced to call a timeout to address Link's scoring run.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Grizzlies' offense struggles in the first quarter, scoring only 12 points.
• In the second quarter, Link takes over, scoring 14 points, including 10 straight, to bring the Grizzlies back into the game.
• Bulls panic and bring in Ronnie Brewer to defend Link, but Brewer's weaknesses on offense ease the pressure on Link.
• Link's aggressive defense and timely double-teaming disrupt the Bulls' offense, leading to a Grizzlies' comeback. They trail by only 3 points at the end of the second quarter.
• In the second half, Luol Deng defends Link, but Link continues his scoring streak, setting a new career-high of 34 points by the fourth quarter.
• With 6 minutes left, Link breaks his previous career-high scoring record, and the Grizzlies lead by 4 points.

Character Developments

• Link evolves from a team-focused player to a focal point of the Grizzlies' offense, demonstrating his ability to take over games and lead his team.
• Link's confidence and skill grow as he faces and scores against top defenders like Deng.
• Rose steps up for the Bulls, scoring 8 straight points to keep them in the game.

Significant Themes

• The importance of balance between teamwork and individual stardom in basketball.
• The pressure and expectations that come with being a top scorer and the ability to handle and overcome that pressure.
• The media's influence and the players' responses to criticism.

Character Interactions

• Link and Rose's on-court rivalry and mutual respect.
• Link's interaction with his teammates, including Gasol Jr. and Randolph, demonstrating his ability to involve them in the offense.
• Thibodeau's strategic changes in response to Link's performance, including switching defenders on him.
• The media's role in fueling competition and driving players to improve.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Bulls start strong against the Grizzlies, but the Grizzlies fight back, led by Link's exceptional performance.
• Link scores 40 points, records 10 assists, and grabs 10 rebounds, achieving a rare 40-point triple-double.
• Link dunks over Luol Deng and Derrick Rose, sealing the Bulls' fate and securing a Grizzlies victory.

Character Developments

• Link grows more confident and assertive, proving his worth against top NBA players.
• Derrick Rose struggles with fatigue and Link's defense, failing to lead his team to victory.
• Luol Deng becomes frustrated with Link's defensive prowess and offensive scoring.

Significant Themes

• Underdog spirit and perseverance (Grizzlies vs. Bulls)
• The power of teamwork and unity (Grizzlies' Grit and Grind)
• Individual skill and determination (Link's performance)

Character Interactions

• Link and Derrick Rose have a tense matchup, with Link ultimately scoring over Rose.
• Link and Luol Deng engage in a defensive battle, with Link coming out on top.
• Link and his Grizzlies teammates support each other, leading to their victory.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Link scores a 40-point triple-double (points, rebounds, assists), leading the Grizzlies to a comeback victory against the Bulls at the United Center.
• Link's performance breaks franchise records and earns him widespread media attention and praise.
• The Grizzlies end their losing streak against the Bulls.

Character Developments

• Link gains confidence and recognition as a formidable player, becoming a "big villain" in the eyes of Chicago fans.
• Rose feels overshadowed by Link's performance and struggles to find a response.

Significant Themes

• The power of individual performance in turning around a game.
• The media's role in shaping public perception and creating narratives around players.
• The significance of breaking records and making history in a team's franchise.

Character Interactions

• Link and Rose's on-court rivalry intensifies, with Rose struggling to keep up with Link's extraordinary performance.
• Link and the media engage in a back-and-forth, with Link playfully embracing his newfound fame while still wanting to maintain his "insignificant" status.
• Luol Deng and Kobe Bryant acknowledge Link's exceptional performance, highlighting his growing reputation in the league.

Key Plot Points and Events

• All-Star voting begins, and Link is in fourth place among Western Conference forwards.
• Link's vote count rises rapidly, overtaking Nowitzki and challenging Griffin and Durant.
• Grizzlies face a grueling three games in four days schedule, winning two and losing one.

Character Developments

• Link is excited about the possibility of making the All-Star Game and the bonus clause in his contract.
• Randolph shows support for Link but also subtly praises himself.
• Cousins and Link maintain a friendly rivalry.
• Gasol Jr. decides to stop growing his beard.

Significant Themes

• Recognition and popularity in the NBA.
• The physical demands and challenges of the NBA schedule.
• The importance of good performances for individual and team success.

Character Interactions

• Link and Randolph's friendly banter in the locker room.
• Link and Cousins' friendly rivalry on the court.
• Kobe's text message to Link, hinting at a challenging game ahead.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Grizzlies have a packed schedule, playing multiple games in quick succession, which concerns Hollins due to the risk of injuries, particularly with Randolph's sore knee.
• Link researches the Lakers' recent struggles, including the failed trade involving Chris Paul and the team's poor record.
• The Grizzlies fly to Los Angeles to play the Lakers, with Hollins worried about the Lakers' twin towers (Gasol and Bynum) and Kobe Bryant's determination to win.

Character Developments

• Link is determined to step up his game despite playing out of position at shooting guard against Kobe Bryant.
• Randolph is not in peak condition due to his sore knee, which worries Hollins and may impact his performance against Pau Gasol.
• Kobe Bryant is shown to be extremely focused and obsessed with winning, even to the point of not smiling during a friendly greeting with Link.

Significant Themes

• Stamina and Endurance: The intense schedule is pushing the players' physical limits, raising concerns about injuries and maintaining peak performance.
• Adaptability: Link must adapt to playing shooting guard against one of the league's best players, Kobe Bryant.
• Obsession with Winning: Kobe Bryant's single-minded focus on victory is highlighted, contrasting with Link's more relaxed demeanor.

Character Interactions

• Link and Kobe Bryant have a tense interaction before the game, with Kobe expressing his determination to win and Link feeling intimidated.
• Hollins and Randolph discuss Randolph's knee injury and his ability to play, showcasing their mutual concern and commitment to the team.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mitchell Thompson, a former NBA player and now a commentator, watches a Lakers-Grizzlies game, rooting for his son Klay Thompson's team, the Warriors.
• The game features Rudy Gay (Link) of the Grizzlies against Kobe Bryant of the Lakers, with Kobe seeking to prove himself after Link's recent 40-point triple-double.
• Kobe scores the first basket, showing his determination and skill. Bynum, the Lakers' center, dominates the rebounds, including a putback dunk over Gasol Jr.

Character Developments

• Mitchell Thompson: Shows pride in his son's performance and supports the Warriors, despite commentating for the Lakers.
• Kobe Bryant: Demonstrates his competitive spirit and desire to prove himself, even after an injury.
• Andrew Bynum: Exhibits aggressive and dominant play, earning the nickname "the beast."

Significant Themes

• Father-Son Relationship: Mitchell's pride in his son's career mirrors his own past success.
• Competition and Rivalry: Kobe's desire to outplay Link highlights the intense competition in the NBA.
• Physical Dominance: Bynum's aggressive rebounding and dunking emphasize the physical nature of the game.

Character Interactions

• Mitchell Thompson and Kevin Harlan: The commentators discuss the game, with Mitchell subtly rooting for his son's team.
• Kobe Bryant and Rudy Gay (Link): Kobe seeks to prove himself against Link, while Link tries to defend against Kobe's relentless offense.
• Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol: Bynum's aggressive rebounding puts pressure on Gasol, who struggles to match his intensity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Grizzlies struggle against the Lakers' twin towers, Bynum and Gasol, with Randolph's poor condition shifting the power balance in the paint.
• The Lakers target Randolph, leading to a 6-0 lead for the Lakers.
• Gay scores to break the Grizzlies' scoring drought, but Gasol responds with a basket, making it 8-2.
• Hollins calls a timeout and decides to test the Grizzlies' bench depth by substituting Speights for Randolph.
• Link and Gay are instructed to work together on offense, and Speights is tasked with creating space and defending Gasol.

Character Developments

• Randolph's knee injury hampers his performance, and he becomes frustrated as the Lakers target him.
• Link and Gay are forced to cooperate on offense, a new dynamic for them.
• Speights, previously an unknown player, gains confidence and importance after Hollins' decision to substitute him in.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and cooperation, particularly between Link and Gay.
• The importance of bench depth and role players in turning around a game.
• The Lakers targeting Randolph and the Grizzlies' response.

Character Interactions

• Link and Kobe's intense on-court rivalry continues.
• Randolph and Link have a brief conversation on the bench, with Randolph entrusting the offense to Link and Gay.
• Link and Speights form a quick bond after Speights' successful mid-range shot, signaling potential for their new partnership on the court.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Grizzlies tie the game with a beautiful alley-oop connection between Link and Gay, and then take the lead with Link's crossover mid-range jumper over Kobe.
• Gasol Jr. blocks Bynum's dunk attempt, showcasing his improved defensive skills.
• Link's performance in the first quarter is exceptional, with two points and three assists, and he isolates against Kobe successfully.

Character Developments

• Link: Proves he can work well with his teammates, pick up full-court on defense, and isolate against stars, solidifying his role as a key player.
• Kobe: Realizes that Link has improved significantly and can now take him one-on-one.
• Gasol Jr.: Shows off his improved defensive skills, blocking Bynum's dunk attempt.
• Gay: Begins to work well with Link offensively, contributing to the Grizzlies' scoring.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork: The Grizzlies' offense improves when Link and Gay work together.
• Improvement: Link's skills have significantly improved since the last time he faced Kobe.
• Defense: Gasol Jr.'s chasedown block highlights the Grizzlies' defensive prowess.

Character Interactions

• Link and Kobe: Engage in a one-on-one battle, with Link coming out on top.
• Link and Gay: Develop a successful offensive connection, leading to the Grizzlies' scoring.
• Gasol Jr. and Bynum: Gasol Jr. blocks Bynum's dunk attempt, showcasing his defensive skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Grizzlies lead the Lakers by three points with two minutes left in the fourth quarter.
• Both teams have exhausted their strategies, leading to intense, physical play.
• Bynum and Gasol Jr. engage in a heated battle, with Gasol Jr. blocking Bynum's shots and securing rebounds.
• Kobe Bryant takes over the Lakers' offense in the final two minutes.
• Link, the Grizzlies' point guard, defends Kobe aggressively, stealing the ball twice and disrupting his shots.
• Neither team can score consistently in the clutch, keeping the score close.

Character Developments

• Marc Gasol Jr.: Proves his defensive prowess by blocking Bynum's shots and securing rebounds. His playmaking and interior defense are crucial to the Grizzlies' success.
• Andrew Bynum: Struggles with his shooting, finishing with a low shooting percentage despite his physical play.
• Kobe Bryant: Takes charge of the Lakers' offense in the clutch, but struggles against Link's aggressive defense.
• Mike Conley: Steps up in the clutch, drawing a foul and preserving the Grizzlies' lead.

Significant Themes

• Intensity and Physicality: The game reaches its most intense and physical stage in the final quarter.
• Defense: Both teams' defenses shine in the clutch, with Gasol Jr. and Link making key stops.
• Leadership: Kobe Bryant takes charge of the Lakers' offense, while Marc Gasol Jr. leads the Grizzlies' defense.

Character Interactions

• Bynum vs. Gasol Jr.: The two centers engage in a heated battle, with each trying to outdo the other.
• Kobe Bryant vs. Mike Conley: The two point guards face off in the clutch, with Conley drawing a crucial foul against Kobe.
• Coach Hollins vs. Kobe Bryant: Hollins decides to keep Tony Allen on the bench in favor of Link, challenging Kobe directly.