Mountain Peak System: a Path to NBA

Generally speaking, in the NBA playoffs, when the series is tied 2-2, the upcoming fifth game is referred to as the "Celestial King Mountain battle."

However, any crucial game that can tip the balance of victory can be called the Celestial King Mountain battle.

The Warriors have reached the crossroads of creating a miracle.

Although in this round of the Western Conference Semifinals, the Spurs will gradually shake off the effects of their previous seven-game battle with the Clippers. After the first encounter, the Spurs will surely heighten their vigilance and adjust their tactics to engage with the Warriors. But currently, this Spurs team is still in a somewhat weakened state, unable to perform at their full capacity.

Two days of rest time has only given them a certain measure of ability to hit back after the exhausting first game.

But they still need time to adjust to their best condition.

This will be a perfect opportunity for the Warriors to seize the chance and defeat them.

If they can carry a 2-0 lead back to Oakland, back to the Bay Area, the Warriors will have the capital to create a miracle in this Western Conference Semifinals.

Yes, merely the capital to create a miracle.

Because whether the world acknowledges this Spurs team or not, they are one of the most outstanding NBA teams of this era.

ATT Center Stadium.

Under the advisement of his staff team, Popovich adjusted the Spurs' starting lineup for the second game.

Old Finley was given an emergency assignment, replacing Ginobili as a starter.

Old Horry received a warning from the Spurs' assistant coaching team prior to the game, hoping he could control his actions and emotions during the match.

Bruce Bowen was diligently practicing defensive slides and hand-off maneuvers.

These various signs indicate that the Spurs have chosen to heed David Stern's warning and will no longer use tough defense to limit Qin Yue, but instead will attempt to win the series through offensive exchange.

But before the game, when Popovich received the referee list for the second game, he roared angrily: "We've already chosen to compromise with the league, but why won't he let us go?"

Dick Bavetta will officiate the second game between the Warriors and the Spurs.

Next to him, Budenholzer quickly soothed Popovich: "Pop, I actually think having Dick officiate this game will be fairer to both teams."

Popovich said in confusion: "Every time Dick officiates, that kid (Qin Yue) earns countless star calls, is that fair?"

Budenholzer shook his head and said: "Pop, in the NBA, which superstar doesn't get star calls? Plus, we initially intended to go head-to-head with the Warriors."

Upon hearing it, Popovich calmed down and pondered: "I understand what you mean, Mike. Your point is, perhaps Dick will continue to favor that kid, but considering the overall officiating scope, we won't be as restricted as in the first game?"

Budenholzer nodded and said: "This year, the league still feels guilty for not giving that Messiah the regular season MVP, so they will certainly offer some form of compensation during the game, even if the opponent isn't us, this compensation will exist."

Popovich pouted: "I hate this kind of compensation. The league still owes Tim a 'DPOY' trophy!"

The league indeed owes Duncan a "DPOY" trophy.

However, Popovich clearly forgot that Duncan had also received similar compensation on the playoff stage.

Moreover, throughout his career...

Duncan's average fouls per game in the playoffs were only 2.8, a figure even 0.8 fewer than O'Neal, who traditionally took it easy on defense.

Admittedly, you can praise Duncan's clean, concise defense, and having teammates share some fouls.

But as a core of inside defense, given Duncan's spirited efforts on every ball and his willingness to repeatedly become the backdrop of strong defense, who dare say Duncan has never gotten preferential treatment from referees?

In the center of the court, Bavetta walked towards the center circle with the ball.

At the opening attack, Duncan took advantage of Brown's defense.

Through switching positions with Horry, Duncan successfully brought Brown in front of him. During his stand-up aggressive attack, Brown used athletic talent to impose strong interference, causing the basketball to rebound off the rim after hitting the backboard.

This was a judgment that could go either way.

According to playoff intensity, Bavetta shouldn't have blown his whistle.

But because the player aggressively attacking at this moment was Duncan, Bavetta blew the whistle without hesitation.

Historically, this season Duncan averaged 10.1 free throws per game in the playoffs, a number even higher than Wade, who averaged 16.2 free throws per game during the finals before elevating his playoff average.

On the court, as Duncan prepared to shoot free throws, the always impartial Qin Yue took the opportunity to jest: "Shameless free throw thief!"

Upon hearing this, Duncan smiled mischievously at Qin Yue and made both free throws.

This season, having been quite inconsistent with free throws in the regular season, Duncan once again showcased his strong will during the playoffs.

If Qin Yue remembered correctly, Duncan's free throw percentage in this season's playoffs would exceed 70%.

Back to the Warriors' offensive turn.

Seeing Qin Yue cut into the paint using a screen and draw a foul from Horry, Popovich inwardly cursed from the Spurs bench: "Damn Dick, damn star calls!"

Actually, compared to Brown's slightly forced foul, Horry's foul was truly intentional to disrupt the attack.