Champion Creed

When Amar'e Stoudemire was no longer a rookie, when Marcus Camby was no longer just a stat chaser, the Warriors' interior defense finally became what Hubie Brown and Roger had long awaited!

Roger snatched the basketball and launched another fast break.

Surrounded, Roger jumped up and made a behind-the-head pass to Jason Richardson at the 45° three-point line.

Instead of driving into the crowd, Richardson opted for a direct three-point shot.

Jason Richardson is known for his dunks, but he is also an efficient shooter. To Roger, he resembles a low-budget version of Vince Carter, or perhaps Carter in his twilight years.

In his twilight years, Carter's dunks were still spectacular, and his three-point shots were deadly, but due to decreased speed, his offensive game had regressed to the point where he could barely handle one-on-one plays. This is akin to the current state of Jason Richardson.

Despite his top-tier explosiveness, Richardson's ball-handling and offensive skills are poor, explaining why his highlights never showcase self-driven dunks but rather dunks following assists.

Thus, with the Warriors, Richardson focuses solely on two tasks: catch-and-shoot threes and catching alley-oops.

Crazy about dunk performances, Richardson's game fluctuates with the number of dunks he attempts.

If he goes an entire game without a dunk opportunity, he plays disoriented.

But just after executing a dunk? His three-point shots could astonishingly be on target.

Jason Richardson, fresh from his previous dunk, did not miss this shot, as he confidently nailed the three-pointer aided by Roger's assist, widening the gap to 13 points!

"I knew you could see me, boss!" Jason Richardson enjoys playing alongside Roger, who always manages to pass the ball exactly when needed.

Roger gave Richardson a thumbs-up, clapping his hands: "Lock down these bastards!"

Earning a satisfying 5 points, Richardson focused on defense alongside Roger, Stephen Jackson, and the revitalized interior.

Spurs players felt as though they faced an impenetrable fortress!

The ball was given to Duncan, who, after facing a double team, passed to Malik Rose for a swift attack on the rim.

But the extremely mobile Marcus Camby swiftly moved in to protect the basket, easily blocking Rose's layup with his top-tier athletic ability.

The ball landed in Duncan's hands, who quickly tossed it towards the hoop. Yet Camby, almost without delay, leapt again and seized the ball, completing two blocks in succession!

"San Antonio's interior offense fails again; the whole league wants to capitalize against the Warriors' interior, but it's time to end this fantasy!" This moment, Mike Breen clearly witnessed championship potential in the Warriors.

Honestly speaking, after defeating the reigning champions Pistons in the opener, Mike Breen felt the Warriors' championship capability remained debatable.

However, after today, he confidently proclaimed the Warriors as top contenders!

Marcus Camby, after snatching the blocks effortlessly, quickly passed the ball out, noting the ease compared to intentionally stacking blocks.

All these provisions indeed reward you at the right moment.

Popovich, witnessing the widening point gap and Roger's offense, shouted nervously, "Stop him, don't let him score again!"

Roger felt unjust, as he had been passing the ball during recent rounds.

If you're keen to see me score, then I'll oblige.

Roger called for a pick, bringing Stoudemire out to screen, pulling Malik Rose out.

Bowen attempted to steal through the screen upfront but failed and was caught by Stoudemire.

Roger smoothly broke through, facing Malik Rose, he easily passed him with a Sam Gold dribble.

With almost no obstruction, Roger sprinted into the paint at full speed, rising to powerfully slam the ball.

At that moment, Roger's dunk was unstoppable. A wise person would quietly watch Roger score 2 points. A highly wise person would already be on the fast break.

But Duncan is notoriously "stubborn."

He advanced underneath the basket, raised his arms, but was too late to jump.

Roger collided with Duncan, channeling all his energy into his arm.

Farewell Tim, the 99 championships were your lone grace.

"BOOM!!!"

"Tim Duncan is dunked over by Roger, extending the Warriors' lead to 15 points! My God, the first quarter isn't even over! This is an absolute victory for the Warriors!"

Roger landed, glancing at Duncan on the ground, then at Payton on the sideline, dumbfounded, before spreading his hands downwards: "Gary, don't tell me you were counting on him."

Payton contemplated retirement, feeling that as long as Roger played, he'd never wear the championship ring.

Popovich paused the game again as the main players from both sides left to rest.

For the Spurs, this was an opportunity; next is Ginobili's home court.

However, what troubled Popovich was that Warriors' sixth man Old Cat Mobley performed exceptionally well.

The Warriors' connection defense couldn't stop the 'Magic Blade,' nor could the Spurs' connection defense stop Old Cat.

This season, Old Cat is particularly fierce, exhibiting a 39% three-point shooting rate, and Roger's influence has elevated his catch-and-shoot three-point frequency.