Greg Popovich's confidence has always been that he firmly believes that the Grizzlies will play in the traditional double-in-the-line lineup.

In this way, the Spurs' first and fourth-year-olds can just control the Grizzlies. With Leonard's defense against Link, it is no problem to play the Grizzlies.

But as soon as today's game started, the situation exceeded Popovich's expectations. The Grizzlies actually changed their formations, and a team that was teased by fans that "a starting lineup will be killed" actually took the initiative to change their formations!

Not only Popovich, but many people, even Grizzlies fans, did not expect this!

Popovich couldn't help but turn his head and look at the other half, his eyes falling on Dave Joggle.

Although Jogel is the best coach of the year, Popovich does not think Jogel is a tactical master. If Popovich evaluates it, Jogel is the kind of coach who will not make mistakes but will not bring you too many surprises.

He always thought that Joggel could not find a way to deal with the Spurs' first, senior and junior. Just like Scott Brooks, didn't he and his Thunder have not adjusted?

But now the Grizzlies' starting lineup has refreshed Popovich's understanding of Jogel.

Could it be that guy has discovered that the Spurs are actually playing against one, one, four, and one?

Popovich shook his head and did not think about these messes anymore.

What Popovich didn't know was that the reason why Jogel had dealt with it was because there was a player next to him who had just been selected for the First Team.

After the Grizzlies attacked, the Spurs' defense was very open. It was obvious that they were very confident in one-on-one marking.

However, at this time, the one who was most uncomfortable to defend was Duncan. Because the Grizzlies played first, first and fourth, the Grizzlies did not have a second inside line.

After Split stuck Gasol Jr., Duncan suddenly realized that he could not find the match.

Whether it is Iguodala, Link or Jimmy Butler, they are all very misplaced for Duncan!

Although Duncan didn't jump much, his ability to stand and protect the frame is still very powerful.

But if Duncan is allowed to defend himself, it will be a bit difficult.

But now, Duncan has no choice!

Old Deng gritted his teeth and posted Butler. He had to mention the high position he was not good at.

Butler was not nervous when facing Duncan, a superstar guy.

The one-on-one fight with the most terrifying players in the world every day made Butler forget what was going on.

Duncan spread his arms as much as possible to increase his defense area.

Link began to break through under the entanglement of Leonard, while Duncan was ready to make up for defense at any time.

During the process of breaking through Leonard, Link experienced the feeling of fighting with "quasi-fmvp".

The Spurs No. 2's defense has improved a lot, and their physical fitness is much better than last year. It is almost impossible to break through his defense. Even if LeBron comes, he will probably be pushed to the point.

However, Link's purpose of forcing Leonard to break through is not to score.

As the encirclement between Leonard and Duncan was about to form, Link jumped up and turned halfway in the air, passing the ball to Butler who was waiting outside the three-point line on the left!

Logically speaking, Link could not have had a passing vision just now. Duncan and Leonard not only blocked his forward route, but also blocked Link's vision.

But before Link broke through, he knew that Butler would retreat to that position later.

Link passes not by his eyes, but by his control and understanding of the game situation.

Grant Hill's super high basketball IQ and Link's hard training allow Link to easily find teammates in the open space.

Butler received the basketball from outside the three-point line. At this time, Duncan had already shrunk into the paint area due to the support of Link.

Therefore, Butler got a huge gap!

Without hesitation, Butler, who started the first time this season's playoffs, took the first goal in the Western Conference Finals!

Butler's three-point shooting percentage this season is actually not high, and it has even been a regression compared to last season.

After all, for a player like him, it will take several years to make a complete improvement in shooting.

But Butler was not completely without shooting percentage outside the three-point line, not to mention that he deliberately practiced shooting yesterday.

Popovich's head swung with the basketball moving in the air, and then watched the basketball roll up the white nets.

"Jimmy Butler made the first shot and scored beautifully! We don't know why coach Dave Joggel suddenly replaced Randolph with Butler, but at least from the first attack, Butler does play a huge role! Beautiful goals and beautiful assists, the defending champion took the lead at home!"

"Damn!" Popovich cursed inwardly. The Grizzlies suddenly had such a big and four-small person. The Spurs were not at all on the defensive end!

But it doesn't matter, Popovich believes that the Spurs can also get the lost points back as well.

Dior can defend the inside at 2.03 meters, but those Grizzlies may not be able to do it too.

So Popovich clapped his hands on the sidelines and made a gesture to Parker.

Parker understood in seconds and then slowed down.

This round, the Spurs have to play the ball inside!

If the Grizzlies use a small man to defend Duncan, it is tantamount to suicide. But if the small man to defend Split, the Brazilian, as the No. 5 position, also has the advantage of height and wingspan. In any case, the Spurs have the advantage in the inside!

Popovich touched his chin, the Spurs could not defend against the Grizzlies, and the Grizzlies could not defend against the Spurs!

After Parker slowly passed the half, Duncan and Split were both on the spot.

Then people were surprised to find that Gasol, who was 2.16 meters tall, went to defend Duncan, and the fifth position of Split, was defended by Link himself!

Parker didn't think much and directly hit the ball to Split, who was in the low post.

No.5 is dislocated to play on the outside, which is a great opportunity!

In those days, it was a very disadvantageous for a small man to misplace the No. 5 position. For example, it is hard to imagine how Link would defend O'Neal or Yao Ming.

But in this era, the advantages and dominance of the No. 5 player in the inside are getting smaller. Split took the ball and found that he could not even beat Link!

The center's advantage in the inside line has become smaller and cannot even be misaligned, which is actually one of the reasons why the era of small balls is coming.

Since big men don’t have the advantage, everyone should simply stop having to have big men.

Popovich gritted his teeth, he didn't expect this situation to happen.

Link's defense is indeed famous for being a good player. He is the winner of the Best Defensive Team + Best Defensive Player this year.

But Link's dominance on the defensive end, like Leonard, is mostly about the outside.

But now, Link has shown his defensive ability that is tough in the inside!

Split's face turned red with a "swish". As an inside line, it was indeed very embarrassing.

Then Split forced his way around and prepared to complete the attack with a three-step slow hook.

However, Split, who averaged less than 5 shots per game in the playoffs, was not used to do this. Although he is a European MVP, his offensive skills are still too rough in front of Link.

Split dribble in front of Link, and Link was like watching slow motion.

Seeing the right time, Link took everything and gave Split a mistake.

Link proved with practical actions that the Spurs' double heights have no advantage in front of the Grizzlies' first and fourth small!

After the steal, Link followed the trend and pushed forward the counterattack. As soon as he looked up, he found that Jimmy Butler had rushed to the front.

Butler, that guy, was unintentionally the most active player on the court today.

Link didn't hesitate and pushed the ball forward hard! The basketball quickly passed the half and fell into Butler's hands.

At this time, there was no one in front of Butler. Although Green blocked behind him, the distance was still a bit far.

So, after continuing the three-pointer just now, Jimmy Butler showed the fans another double-handed dunk!

5-0, the Spurs, who originally wanted to surprise the Grizzlies, are now "surprised".

Looking at Popovich's surprised expression, Link smiled with satisfaction.

Before, Durant failed to rewrite history and still lost to the Spurs according to the original history trajectory.

Then, history will be rewritten from today!
Chapter completed!