In May 2003, the NBA playoffs entered the second round.
Judging from the first round, the best-performing teams were the Kings, Philadelphia 76ers, Heat, and Indiana Pacers. They had all dispatched their opponents with ease, encountering almost no serious resistance.
The best-performing player was Shaquille O'Neal.
While Kobe's numbers had dipped due to stamina issues and Yao Ming's outstanding play, the Big Shark had massacred Spain's young hope, Pau Gasol, in the first round.
Perhaps in the future era, Gasol's physical tools would be more than sufficient for a center. But right now, his strength was at best average for an NBA power forward. Going up against O'Neal was simply like smashing an egg against a rock.
"The Lakers again! Guys, you know what that means." Popovich's solemn expression made every Spurs player straighten up.
Lakers vs. Spurs.
It was happening again!
This matchup had appeared in the playoffs almost every year.
And from beginning to end, the victors had always been the Lakers.
This season, the Mad Scientist had risked being fired to bring Raja Bell and Michael Finley to San Antonio. What for?
To help Popovich defeat the Lakers!
Without that trade, the current Spurs might not even have made the top four in the Western Conference. They would have been eliminated in the first round already.
But thanks to the teacher's godlike assist, Popovich finally had a team that stood above the rest of the league!
In the latter half of the season, this team had consistently held the best record in the league.
They had beaten the Kings, beaten the Celtics, beaten the Heat, and defeated the Timberwolves in their series.
They looked like champions!
This was the Spurs' most championship-worthy season in recent years.
The Admiral was already old, and Popovich was not sure how