"Tim had truly grown into a supreme superstar capable of sheltering the Spurs from the storm." When Duncan completed that unbelievable alley-oop dunk over his defender, everyone in San Antonio went wild.
"Stop them! Stop Kobe on this possession! Victory is right in front of us!" Popovich roared.
What tricks did the Lakers have left!?
At the critical moment, the Lakers had only ever had one play.
Give the ball to Kobe!
Popovich knew it, Duncan knew it, and everyone watching on television knew it!
This had always been the Lakers' strategy.
Kobe had played 45 minutes so far. He had taken 42 shots, made 23, and already posted 53 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 6 steals, 2 blocks, and 5 turnovers!
How much stamina did he have left?
Even a piece of iron would melt under such intense physical combat!
Lock down Kobe's final desperate struggle!
Then the Spurs would win this game!
Lakers inbounded from the sideline!
A small-ball lineup.
The Lakers sent out a small lineup of Little Fish, Ginobili, Kobe, Stephen Jackson, and Yao Ming.
All five could shoot.
This was the Lakers' strongest offensive lineup so far.
Ginobili stood out of bounds.
Stockton waved his arms in front of Ginobili.
The other four Lakers players clustered together at the free-throw line.
Explosive inbound!
In an instant, everyone scattered!
Raja Bell and Finley lunged desperately at Kobe.
But a gleam flashed through Ginobili's eyes, and the basketball flew straight from his hands to Stephen Jackson in the corner.
Duncan stepped up to help!
Stephen Jackson leaped high and swung the ball once more to the unguarded Little Fish at the top of the arc!
"This is my moment."
Little Fish's face was solemn, completely unlike his usual joking self.
He had practiced this situation, this spot,