Capítulo 120: ‘Steady Buddha’ Tim Duncan
First quarter.
Carlos only chalked up 5 points, largely watching Curry's solo performance, but then, in just over half of the second quarter, he bursts forth with 17 points.
With 22 points for the half, coupled with Curry's explosive 23 points.
Together their combined onslaught reverses a 25-point deficit, beating the Spurs, the top team in the West, by a hefty 15 points.
This handed a considerable blow to the Spurs fans, as Carlos and Curry's terrifying scoring ability left them shuddering, facing adversity.
In the audience...
Wall watches the dreamlike progression of the game with a darkened expression, "How can this be, is that rookie Carlos really that strong?! Can't even the Western Conference-leading Spurs, the 'GDP', beat him?!"
Wall begins to question his life choices.
As for Griffin, he's got mixed feelings. However... the worry and joy are switched from before, worried that Carlos has finally erupted, but glad that the Spurs don't seem so invincible.
Tomorrow night...
He hopes to lead the Clippers to victory over the Spurs, ending their somewhat dire 3-game losing streak.
On the opposite side of the stands.
Lady Gaga arches an eyebrow and says, "Avril Lavigne, what do you think? I told you, Carlos just needed to get in the groove, he's really strong. Look, the Suns are ahead by 15 points now."
"Mm-hmm!"
Avril Lavigne nods, smiling, "Indeed, great skills, and a look that fits our aesthetic. I think... I'm starting to be a fan of Carlos."
"I'm already a fan!" Lady Gaga laughs.
And Roger Federer, who had long been a fan and came to watch the game again, became excited seeing Carlos's offensive explosion in the second quarter, thoroughly enjoying the match.
...
Halftime break...
In the Spurs' locker room.
At this moment, the atmosphere is somewhat subdued, going from a 10-point lead to a 15-point deficit, a 25-point swing, was hard to swallow.
"It's alright!"
Ginobili stands up and says, "Just 15 points, we have two quarters left. We're the best team in the West, we can catch up. Plus...
We've come back from a 15-point deficit before this season. So, everyone, don't lose confidence, believe in yourselves, we can do it. We've always been the power of the West, always one of the best teams in the league."
"Right!"
Parker also nods, "The opponent is young and fiery, but they are inexperienced. In the second half, we will use our experience to burst forth. We'll run a play to catch up and win the game, we can do it."
"Oh!"
Everyone nods their heads.
With the leadership of two members of the 'Big Three,' the Spurs players regain their confidence.
And tonight's posterized 'Big Fundamental' Duncan doesn't speak, but his calm eyes somehow reassure everyone.
...
Quickly...
The 15-minute halftime break ends.
The second half...
The teams switch sides and battle again...
Spurs with possession...
Parker brings it up, following Ginobili's screen on the right wing, he accelerates toward the basket. Before Carter can step up for the help defense, it's another floater from Parker.
"Swish!"
It's good...
And right after, the screen play between Parker and Ginobili gives the red-hot Parker another chance, again, before Carlos can step up to defend.
"Whoosh!"
Parker lets the floater fly.
The floater is one of the go-to moves for smaller players to avoid getting blocked, and Parker is one of the most precise in the league with it. However...
This time he's up against Carlos.
The long arms and astonishing leaping ability of Carlos are there to contest!
"Clang!"
Despite Parker's attempt, the ball hits iron, but... the offensive rebound is secured by Duncan who, while grabbing it, also jumps up, a slight shift in mid-air and a little hook shot facing the basket.
"Swish!"
It's good...
In the following play, Duncan calls for the ball in the low post on the left side, backing down Frye. With his back and hips powering through, offering resistance, he suddenly spins, creating a mismatch with Frye.
He deftly moves towards the baseline, leaning in for a bank shot.
"Swish!"
It goes in...
Next, still on the left low post, Duncan receives the ball. Frye fails to follow immediately under the basket, and Duncan opts for a jump shot, his trademark off-the-glass.
"Swish!"
He hits it again.
"Clang!"
Curry's attempt to keep his hot streak alive from the three doesn't fall, and Parker brings it up, once again finding Duncan in the same left low post position against Frye. One step, back down, contesting.
Half-turn, mid-range jumper.
"Bang!"
"Swish!"
The trademark bank shot connects again.
"Steady, really steady. Tim's bank shots are reassuringly consistent, so certain that as soon as he releases the ball, you just know it's going to score.
Wow—
It's Tim again. He catches the ball and immediately goes into action, slamming home a sideways dunk over Frye's attempted block.
Tim is impressive.
Despite being down by 15 points, despite being posterized by a rookie in the previous quarter, he remains unfazed as if the mountain crumbles before him.
'Big Fundamental' Duncan, steady as Mount Tai, attacks five straight times, scoring 10 points.
In times of adversity, the 'Steady Buddha' steps up, unleashing a 12-3 counterattack storm back at the Suns, closing the gap to just 6 points. In prosperity, a race car; in adversity, a Buddha. With Parker and Duncan, these two Spurs workhorses, how could they not be formidable?"
Mark Jackson praises while commentating, and Jon Barry chimes in, "Don't forget 'El Contusione' Ginobili. The 'GDP' are all tough competitors.
A 6-point gap with more than a quarter to go, the victory for tonight's game is uncertain, the fierce battle between the Western Conference's first and second. It's not going to end so simply."
Indeed...
Just as Jon Barry says, after the 'Steady Buddha' Duncan goes on a tear, the game falls into a tense and heated exchange of offense. Neither team giving an inch.
Until the end of the third quarter, neither side is able to pull off an offensive surge or counterattack climax.
The score remains within a 5-point margin.
Three quarters down...
The Suns lead by 5 points, but with a whole quarter to go, this lead can only be considered just that, not yet an advantage.
During the break between quarters...
In the commentary booth...
Jon Barry says, "After the Spurs fell into adversity at halftime, Tim, as the team leader, bravely stepped up to take responsibility, using his low post scoring ability as steady as the 'Big Fundamental' to help the team close the gap."
"Exactly..."
Mark Jackson laughs, "Like he's made for adversity, 'Big Fundamental' Tim Duncan always manages to score when the team is behind, providing his teammates with a dose of reassurance! The 'Steady Buddha' reputation is well deserved!"
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