The Way of Basketball: Never Talk Shit to Him!

The first quarter ended with the Spurs leading by 4 points, 38 to 34.

The San Antonio crowd instantly began to gloat, making all sorts of silly faces at Su Wan.

But their smiles quickly faded.

At the start of the second quarter, Su Wan stepped up his shooting. Battier, who had played the entire first quarter, had only sat out for 30 seconds before he was put back in the game.

Still, he couldn't stop him...

The New York Knicks successfully took the lead during this time.

"From this angle, the New York Knicks are quite similar to the Mavericks!" Bill Walton said, "The Mavericks rely mainly on Dirk Nowitzki's one-on-one play to break through at crucial moments, and the New York Knicks also mainly rely on Su Wan's individual play."

That is...

"Compared to Dirk Nowitzki, who has clear issues with physical fitness..."

"Su Wan is a complete hexagon warrior!"

"No weaknesses!"

This was proven in what followed.

In the third quarter, the "rookie instability" of the New York Knicks acted up, with Stephen Curry and Gallinari missing consecutive shots, while the Spurs' entire team erupted with hot shooting.

But Su Wan alone held off the Spurs' thousands of troops. During the Spurs' collective effort, he prevented the New York Knicks from being outrun.

In the fourth quarter, Stephen Curry and the others found their rhythm, and the "old men" on the Spurs started to show signs of fading energy. Su Wan continued his fiery performance, and in the end, the New York Knicks beat the Spurs with a 10-point margin, 109 to 99.

They took the first game of the finals without much danger.

Su Wan chalked up a dazzling stat line of 42 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists.

This game fully showcased his outstanding scoring ability.

The entire third quarter was practically him carrying the entire team on his shoulders.

Chris Webber said, "For fans to see such a player appear in the league is definitely a stroke of luck, but for the players in this league, it's really quite unfortunate."

Think about it, if it wasn't for Su Wan, what would be the main theme of this season's league?

Just look at the intense battle between the Spurs and the Mavericks in the Western Finals to know:

Old soldiers never die!

But now, "old soldiers never die" has become the "backdrop" for the "God-gifted talent."

Especially when Tim Duncan jumped three times in a row, only to watch helplessly as Su Wan grabbed the rebound right in front of him, Barkley said, "I believe, at that moment, Tim definitely wanted to borrow 10 years of time from God to return him to the age of 25!"

Popovich watched Su Wan being interviewed on the sidelines, hearing him say "We will take care of the Spurs within 5 games," a fierce look flashed in his eyes:

Do you really think you can defeat the Spurs that easily?

Just wait and see!

The second game of the finals came quickly.

Again, it was the Spurs' home court.

Even the start was similar, as the well-conditioned Spurs took the first quarter, leading by 5 points, 37 to 32.

But as the second quarter progressed, when Su Wan began to exert himself, the New York Knicks quickly turned the situation around, leaving Popovich swearing on the sidelines. Hearing his yelling, Su Wan shot him a mocking smile.

Another fierce look passed through Popovich's eyes.

He called Shawn Battier over:

"Buddy, go up there later and lock down that Huaxia man for me!"

Battier nodded, indicating he would give it his all.

Seeing that he didn't get his meaning, Popovich covered his mouth with his hand and said, "By lock down, I mean you use any means necessary... as long as you can press him down, even if it means he has to leave the game injured!"

Battier finally understood, his eyes filled with shock.

Popovich, annoyed at his dumbfounded appearance, missed Bruce Bowen more than ever at that moment, "That guy likes to crowd the shooter, right? Just get closer to him when he shoots, make him step on your foot!"

Battier didn't respond.

Thinking he agreed, Popovich patted him on the shoulder and ended with some words of encouragement, "Shawn, it's your contract year, and I've got your contract ready. It's up to you now!"

"I believe you will be the hero for the Spurs' championship this year!"

Popovich had seen it clearly; the New York Knicks this season relied mainly on Su Wan.

Just take him out of the game, and even if the New York Knicks retaliate and take Tim Duncan out too, it would still leave the Spurs better off.

Everything...

is for the championship!

Battier took the court, facing Su Wan and a struggle flashed in his eyes before he let out a deep breath.

Su Wan, noticing his expression, couldn't help but tease, "Is defending me that stressful?"

Battier wasn't smiling, and said seriously, "Be careful, Su Wan, Greg directed me to undercut you, wanting to get you off the court. From now on, be cautious—not just of me, they might ask others to do the same."

Su Wan's face turned cold, his eyes slightly narrowing, "Then why are you telling me this, Shawn? We don't have any relationship, do we?"

Battier said, "I truly can't guard you, and I don't want to resort to those lowly tactics... Of course, I don't want to see you get tricked either."

Su Wan laughed, "If you ever run for president, I'll get the fans to vote for you!"

What does "to emerge unsoiled from the mud" mean?

For Battier to maintain his integrity in the Spurs' big dye vat, was truly no easy feat.