Champion Creed

This is undoubtedly the most exciting game in the history of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals.

Roger and Kobe, 55 points in a single game VS 53 points in a single game.

It's already tough for a player to score 50 points in the playoffs, so the probability of two players scoring 50 points in the same playoff game is even more minimal.

But tonight, Kobe and Roger turned that tiny probability into a hundred percent reality.

This was a brilliant scoring feast, both Roger and Kobe gave their all, and the fans on site witnessed an absolutely spectacular performance.

Yet no one expected the game to end in such a manner.

The Zen Master didn't know how Roger saw through his strategy. When he deployed the lineup of Steve Nash, Derek Fisher, Kobe, Karl Malone, and Rick Fox in the final moments, excluding Fox, who was responsible for inbound passes, Derek Fisher was the least likely to get the ball.

With his form this season, he might not even draw attention as bait.

The most important attribute of bait is that it must be enticing enough, and Derek Fisher's shooting rate and form this season made him stand out like a cleaning lady among princesses, utterly unappealing.

Even the defensive master Jeff Van Gundy didn't expect the ball to go to Derek Fisher.

If he were coaching the Warriors, undoubtedly, Phil Jackson's tactics would have worked.

Not just him, but any other team's defense against that attack would have resulted in the Lakers achieving their desire.

But Roger's command for Tayshaun Prince to defend the air ruined everything.

That's right, no one could guarantee that Derek Fisher would score once he got the ball with 0.4 seconds left.

But no one could guarantee he wouldn't score either.

Considering Phil Jackson's team always surprises at crucial moments, many Warriors fans felt a chill after that play.

Was it Roger's wise command that averted another outcome?

0.4 seconds, to be killed by someone like Derek Fisher? That would be simply unacceptable.

Luckily, none of that happened, and Roger's rich experience ensured the Warriors secured the victory.

Watching Roger shouting triumphantly at Kobe, all Oakland fans erupted in MVP chants.

They all believed this season, Roger wouldn't stop at the second round.

The Savior firmly sent Satan back to hell, ending this nightmare.

But someone was still apprehensive, knowing Satan would return, and was not ready to battle Satan again.

Erik Spoelstra couldn't blend in with the surrounding celebrating Warriors players; as the acting head coach at the last moment, he knew how foolish his performance was, despite winning the victory.

In Spoelstra's view, Roger's last-minute command for Tayshaun Prince to successfully defend the Lakers was precisely a manifestation of his incompetence.

Pat Riley never needed players to make decisions for him, nor did Hubie Brown.

This is what Jeff Van Gundy believed: "Roger saved the Golden State Warriors, and also saved Erik Spoelstra's coaching debut. If Roger's command to Prince to defend at the last moment was spontaneous, it means Erik didn't arrange any effective defensive strategy during the timeout. Warriors fans better pray for Hubie to come back, or else their coaching disadvantage will be infinitely magnified."

Spoelstra sat on the bench, covering his head as if the Lakers had scored a winning shot.

Jeff Hornacek patted the young man's shoulder: "Don't be disheartened, Erik, at least the outcome is good."

"I didn't help at all," Spo shook his head, "it's all Roger's credit."

"At least you didn't lose your first game as head coach."

"Good luck won't always favor me."

Spoelstra was extremely disappointed, now just hoping Hubie Brown would come back soon.

Indeed, both Spoelstra and Jeff Hornacek ultimately dreamed of becoming independent head coaches.

Spoelstra's desire was surely stronger; although he was young, he had been in the business for many years, serving as an assistant coach for a long time, all he lacked was an opportunity.

But after experiencing those last few minutes, Spoelstra realized he wasn't ready yet.

He would rather the opportunity come later than mess everything up like an idiot.

At this moment, Roger finished his interview and walked off the court.

Looking at the worried Spoelstra, Roger stopped: "Did someone hit you, Erik? Why the long face?"

"What? No, of course not."

"Then why the gloomy expression? We won, cheer up."

"This is your victory, not mine." With that, Spoelstra left with his head hung low.

Roger was stunned for a moment, turned to Jeff Hornacek: "Did someone blame him?"

Jeff Hornacek shrugged: "I think he's blaming himself."

Back in the locker room, Spoelstra remained silent.

He was constantly on the phone, inquiring about Hubie Brown's condition everywhere. On one hand, he genuinely cared about Hubie; on the other hand, he couldn't imagine how he could lead the team alone through the playoffs.