Champion Creed

The hearts of Oakland fans in front of countless TVs still hadn't calmed down after the game ended.

It was a thrilling victory, but also a dangerous one.

For three consecutive games, the point difference between the Warriors and Pistons was single digits.

It's like a heavyweight boxing match without round limits, where there's no decision on points - one side must beat the other until they can't get up, winning with blood and flesh on the line.

On the last play, when Roger passed the ball, the fans were already on edge, afraid the ball would be intercepted.

Even when Tayshaun Prince took his shot, the fans couldn't relax, worried that the young Prince might falter at the crucial moment.

When Roger reached to steal from Artest, the fans felt tense as well, fearing the referee would blow the whistle.

During these last few rounds, all the Oakland fans felt as if their hearts had been dug out.

It's unimaginable how Spoelstra, at not yet 40, managed to stay calm on site.

Even harder to imagine is how Hubie Brown managed to persist for so long before.

But anyhow, the Warriors kept the suspense of the playoffs alive.

However, the crisis hasn't been completely averted.

The same victory must be repeated by the Warriors three more times.

Trying to repeat any act involving confrontation, collision, and powerful impact three times is extremely challenging.

But they only have one chance to experiment.

From now on, if the Detroit Pistons win two games, the series will be over.

However, Spoelstra is not worried at all. At the instant the game ended, he excitedly embraced Jeff Hornacek, nearly kissing him.

This victory proved that his adjustments had worked.

As for the next games, it's all about constantly replicating this victory.

Indeed, basketball games are never identical. The world never sees two completely identical games.

Even if strategies work, it doesn't mean they can be replicated in every game.

What if Roger, next game, can't pass the ball during the final squeeze?

What if the player receiving the pass fails to hit the long shot next game?

These situations are possible.

But compared to these possibilities, Spoelstra values the players' determination more.

Today, everyone played their part seriously, without being affected by the 0-2 deficit.

Previous locker room talks weren't just for show; everyone in the team fully devoted themselves to victory.

This Warriors team isn't afraid to face the cliff, to face the world. In fact, it's precisely the situation they love most.

Precisely speaking, it's the scenario Roger loves most.

Ultimately, Roger is the greatest source of confidence for Spoelstra.

In the crucial moments of this game, Roger's performance was phenomenal.

He could steadily pass out of the squeeze, stay calm to defend in critical moments.

This tyrant, covered in blood, surrounded by fallen foes, knows best how to bring his opponents down.

He did everything within his power, just as he did in the locker room talk.

With a leader like him, what's there to worry about?

Next, it's time for the sprint.

Victory can't be replicated, but Roger's performance can be.

The fate of the era is in his hands.

Game 4, the match remains in Detroit.

In this game, the Pistons were completely suppressed by the Warriors from the sixth minute of the first quarter when Roger scored, and they didn't trail again.

Today, Stoudemire held Rasheed Wallace to just 4 points all game. Unable to easily find opportunities like in previous matches, he devoted all his energy to defense.

Rasheed Wallace's first two baskets at the start were the last echoes of the game; his shooting touch was severely depleted by the intense confrontation that followed.

Seeing this, Rick Carlisle increased Darko Milicic's minutes. When Stephen Jackson was on the court, Carlisle had no hesitations giving the ball to this rookie, letting him fiercely punish the Warriors' low post.

But Darko Milicic's firepower alone wasn't enough to secure a victory.

With Billups and Hamilton restricted, Rasheed Wallace's touch vanished, and Artest struggled under the torment of DPOY Ben Wallace, Milicic's individual offense seemed too insignificant.

The Warriors tied the series 2-2, and now, this series has become legendary.

It's proven that both teams represent the highest level of play, and the coaches' mind games and players' battles have resurrected the viewership of these matches.

Larry Brown, watching the news of the Warriors beating the Pistons again from his office, sneered.

"God is too merciful, to show compassion even to a demon like Roger."

Roy Williams was puzzled, because he believed the victories in the last two games came from the Warriors' correct strategic adjustments and excellent player performances.

It had nothing to do with God at all.

Just as no one could say Roger was favored by Aphrodite, the goddess of lust; the endless stream of women around Roger is directly related to his looks, physique, and fame—nothing to do with Aphrodite.

If Roger were truly favored by Aphrodite, he should be rumored to share a room with two Hollywood actresses simultaneously.

So, Roy Williams couldn't understand what Larry Brown was trying to express.