May 8, 2007.
Oakland.
Oracle Arena.
The first game of the Western Conference Semifinals between the Spurs and the Warriors is officially underway.
Compared to last year...
Gregg Popovich had no intention of greeting Qin Yue before the game and giving him any pointers.
The delicate relationship between Duncan and the Spurs determined that this year the Spurs must win the championship to ensure they can keep Duncan.
Duncan has always been the cornerstone of the Spurs, the critical guarantee that the Spurs can continuously challenge for the peak.
Popovich cannot bear the cost of losing Duncan.
But having barely passed the first round of the playoffs after a grueling seven-game series, the Spurs are facing a problem against the Warriors in this Western Conference Semifinals that they have never been able to solve.
This problem was proven to be unsolvable as early as last year's playoffs.
"Do you think this year's defensive rules can help us slightly limit that kid?"
