The Nuggets have a 10-point lead, but on paper the Spurs are still the stronger one, and many people still believe that the Spurs will complete a comeback in the second half.
In their view, both Iverson and Li Yan were exhausted.
After all, "Answer" is 32 years old, and Li Yan needs to continue to provide large-scale assistance.
Li Yan simply played the role of Garnett today. The key point is that Garnett doesn't have the energy to keep playing like this, not to mention that Li Yan has to be responsible for holding the ball for half the game.
Neither Li Yan nor Iverson has the conditions to take a rest. Without them, the Nuggets would be badly beaten by the Spurs.
Just playing 48 minutes is so difficult!
Of course, it would be a great thing if the Nuggets win.
Not to mention the nationwide celebration across the ocean, even in the United States, firecrackers should be going off.
The Spurs' poor performance has left them unaccompanied in their home country. Except for San Antonio, whenever a Spurs fan appears, they will be well interviewed by the people around them.
What gave them such courage? After all, liking garbage is not an ordinary taste.
…………
The buzzer sounded to start the second half.
Changing sides to fight again, the Spurs were very active after the start, and Popovich must have done a strong mobilization during the halftime break.
In fact, Popovich smashed a playboard in the locker room.
He told the Spurs players that if they lost this game, it would be over for the season.
Popovich's roar worked, and the Spurs' mental outlook improved greatly.
With Duncan's support and restraint, the Spurs launched a strong counterattack.
Tony Parker continued to attack the inside, and Ginobili hit two difficult three-pointers from the outside.
But every time the Spurs get going, a firm voice calms the Nuggets players.
"It's okay, fight well for the next round."
If Iverson is the sharp knife of the Nuggets, then Li Yan is the "Dinghai Shenzhen" on the Denver Plateau.
The point difference was reduced to 5 points, and the next round was crucial.
This is a round that the Nuggets must score, and if the Spurs can defend it, the game may go differently.
The situation on the field suddenly became tense, and many fans in the stands clenched their fists.
Li Yan was pressed closely by Bowen from the backcourt and handed the ball to Iverson.
"Answer" was even double-teamed.
The Spurs' overall rotation defense is very tight and there are no loopholes.
Iverson had no room to move, he could only pass the ball.
The basketball was given to Li Yan, who was on the right side of the free throw line.
The person guarding Li Yan at this time was "Stone Buddha" Duncan. Duncan is definitely the league's top interior defender.
Li Yan faced great pressure.
"It's too difficult for Li Yan to beat Duncan alone. Come on, Xiao Li!" On the other side of the ocean, Yu Jia explained hoarsely.
He is not alone. In fact, countless Chinese fans are silently praying for Li Yan.
The numbers on the round timer had begun to flash. Li Yan could have thrown the basketball to Linas Kleiza aside, but he did not do so.
Under such circumstances, it is not safe to put heavy pressure on role players.
The greater the cheers you get, the greater the responsibility you must bear.
Li Yan's shoulder fake moves continued to shake, but Duncan was as steady as a rock.
With no way out, Li Yan could only fight hard, turn around with the ball, and adjust the angle.
"Stone Buddha" Duncan's long arms covered the sky and the sun, and the number on the timer was about to return to zero.
Li Yan's figure was completely surrounded by Duncan, but——
The basketball passed over Duncan's head like a ball of fire. At the Pepsi Center, it burst out with dazzling light like the sun, lighting up the hearts of every Nuggets fan.
"Whoa!" The basketball flew across the sky and hit the net.
“Lee—Lee!!!”
"SUper—Lee!!!"
The on-site commentator roared with all his strength. This was the most exciting game in his commentary career.
Li Yan and Iverson, the new and old generations of superstars gave super performances, which was so refreshing.
This goal completely ignited the Pepsi Center, and the fans in the audience roared wildly.
This goal exceeded everyone's expectations. They originally thought that Li Yan was held down by Duncan.
I didn't expect it to be a super hook from such a distance.
"amaZing! amaZing! amaZing!" Smith covered his head:
"It's so beautiful, such a distance, it's a sky hook! Lee did it, he penetrated Tim Duncan's defense."
"Oh my God! That's Tim Duncan, Li Yan is just a temporary worker inside." Barkley also shouted excitedly: "Li is indeed the son of a miracle!"
The Nuggets stabilized their position, and Iverson patted Li Yan on the back: "Well done!"
"Hiss!" Li Yan took a breath deliberately: "Boss, please be gentle."
"Bang!" JR Smith also hit Li Yan.
"Fuck!" This time it really hurt.
"Lee, kill them, let that old bastard Gregg Popovich die!" JR Smith yelled.
Well, JR Smith's voice was too loud, enough to make Popovich's face turn into "pork liver" as his face was ashen on the sidelines.
Spurs round.
The Nuggets have completed their defense.
"Guard this one!" Li Yan's roar represents the thoughts of all Nuggets players. They want to kill the Spurs here.
Parker came to the frontcourt with the ball, and the Nuggets' defensive formation was so tight in front of him.
Duncan got the basketball with his back, and Camby raised his long arms and rushed over desperately.
The fighting spirit of Li Yan and Iverson was transmitted from point to point to all Nuggets players. Yes, they also have reasons why they cannot lose.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!" In the continuous confrontation, every time Camby took a step back, he would immediately come forward again.
Duncan failed to push away Camby, so he could only pass the ball.
Ginobili came over to meet Duncan. He held the ball and entered the paint with enchanting steps.
Taking off and flying into the air, this is the rhythm that "Demon Sword" is most familiar with.
Just a black shadow followed closely behind him, and Ginobili felt a chill in his heart. Li Yan was really his nemesis today.
Although Ginobili tried his best to adjust the direction of his shot, he still couldn't escape.
"Bang!" Another big hit.
Kleiza picked up the basketball and gave it to Li Yan.
With a long pass over the top, the basketball sailed across the dome and accurately found Iverson.
The transition between offense and defense happens in an instant.
In front of Iverson, only Bruce Bowen was struggling to defend.
This villain, who had received countless infamy for the Spurs, didn't know that this would become a lifelong nightmare.
Iverson's rapid CROSSOver, Bowen lowered his center of gravity in an attempt to keep up with Iverson's rhythm.
But it was all in vain. Bowen's twisting body couldn't get back after a drastic change of direction.
"Ka!" Bowen covered his feet and sat down on the ground.
Iverson galloped past him, and countless cameras gave him close-ups.
A world-famous painting was born!
Iverson took the lead and scored two points with an easy layup.
Behind him, Bowen did not chase him. It was not that this top villain was slacking off, but that he could no longer stand up.