The ball went into the net, and Oracle Arena erupted for the first ti.
Roger did not celebrate, because the Warriors were still trailing by one point, and there were only 26 seconds left in the ga.
Rudy Tomjanovich called a tiout, and his strategy was simple: "Use up the entire 24 seconds!"
The Lakers approached this offensive play with patience, as Steve Nash controlled the ball near the midcourt line.
The ti was ticking away, and the Warriors fans were holding their breath.
But the entire Warriors team remained calm; none of them attempted to foul Nash prematurely.
This ant the Warriors were putting everything on the line, either to win the ga or be defeated by the Lakers.
If they fouled and Nash made both free throws, there would still be enough ti for the Warriors to set up a three-point shot to tie the ga.
But the Warriors refused to do that, letting Steve Nash control the clock, needing only those final few seconds to win the ga.
With 10 seconds left on the shot clock, Nash moved closer to the three-point line, and Tayshaun Prince pressed forward.
The Lakers set up a double screen, and Nash accelerated toward Shawn Marion. As he ca around the screen, Steve Nash saw Caron Butler cutting along the baseline.
This All-NBA guard didn’t hesitate, releasing the ball with one hand. Due to the double screen, the Warriors’ interior was pulled wide open, and Caron Butler’s cut was deadly.
The basketball was precisely delivered to Caron Butler’s hand, and he lifted it for a layup.
This sneak attack, if successful, would put the Lakers in an unbeatable position!
At that mont, he was lifting not a basketball, but a beacon of hope.
Facing an open basket, he had the chance to bring the ga back to Los Angeles, the chance to mire the reigning champions in despair.
Caron Butler made the layup attempt, while millions of viewers fixed their gaze on this shot in front of their television screens.
As the basketball flew towards the side of the hoop, the paint area suddenly darkened.
Marcus Camby flew in, slapping the ball against the backboard with one hand, producing a resounding "bang."
Roger was right; tonight, everyone controlled their own destiny.
"Marcus Camby!!! A block piercing the heart of the Lakers!!! He didn’t make this year’s defensive all-team, but he’s undoubtedly the best defender at this mont!!! This is the Golden State Gangsters, who always have soone standing up at critical tis!!!"
Amid Mike Breen’s shout, and the stunned look on Caron Butler’s face, Spoelstra used his last tiout.
There were 5 seconds left in the ga, and the Warriors had the last chance to kill it all!
Caron Butler still had not recovered, but he couldn’t deny: "This is our war."
For the Lakers, indeed, for the Warriors as well.
At the final monts of the ga, Spoelstra intended to substitute in every player capable of shooting threes based on past experience.
But Roger waved his hand: "Keep Marcus on the floor!"
At the last mont, everyone’s shooting touch was off; if the first shot didn’t go in, Marcus Camby might grab the offensive rebound and create a second chance for the team.
Roger needed an insurance for this ga.
Spoelstra paused for a mont, nodded, and continued with the plan.
Sideline inbound plays are a universal headache, as the ball doesn’t always make it to Roger, so Spoelstra set up many alternative shooting options.
When the ga resud, Spoelstra suddenly felt nervous.
The Lakers completely double-tead Roger, leaving him no chance to receive the ball.
Though many backup shooting points were arranged, none were as reliable or promising as Roger.
Roger tried his best to shake loose, but Caron Butler stuck to Roger’s jersey like glue.
No matter where Roger ran, the Lakers players nearby would co over to bother him.
They’d rather let others have the chance to receive the ball, but not Roger.
With the inbound ti running out, Boris Diaw had no choice but to pass the ball to the open Jason Richardson.
This guy, who killed the ga at the final monts of the decisive battle with a three-pointer, remained very calm, having chosen to stay with the Warriors to create similar greatness!
Jason Richardson took the shot, without a hint of hesitation.
But the script didn’t unfold as he imagined, bouncing off the front rim, his shooting strength had waned from the sustained physical battle throughout the ga.
The Warriors fans were left speechless, while the Lakers players on the bench raised their arms in celebration.
They were about to roast the Bay Area fans at Oracle Arena again, right in the face of the Warriors players!
Until a pair of hands towered above the crowd, grabbing the rebound, hope shone once more amidst the darkness.
It’s Marcus Camby! He grabbed the offensive rebound!
He, too, wants to be the master of fate!
When he pulled down the rebound, he was surrounded by Lakers players in purple jerseys.
And amidst the crowd, Marcus Camby saw that man.
The man who promised to take revenge on Kobe.
He instinctively handed the ball to him, without a mont’s hesitation.
Seeing Roger get the ball, Marcus Camby suddenly felt at ease.
Go for it, Roger, go!
Fulfill your promise!
Punish Kobe!
Punish that bastard!
Take us to the finals!
Due to the chaos just now, when Roger got the ball, there was no double team around, only the panicked Caron Butler.
Mike Breen swallowed hard, knowing that one team was about to suffer a devastating loss.
"Marcus gives it to Roger, Roger takes the three...BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! The ga is over, the ga is over! Roger hits the shot as the lights turn red, stirring waves with his 44-point performance, drowning the Los Angeles Lakers with the Bay Area waters! Golden State Warriors make it to the finals for the third consecutive year, and the miracle of the three-peat is closer than ever!"
The ball goes in, and Roger turns towards the Warriors fans, wildly shouting with veins popping from his neck: "No one can conquer here, no one can!"
At that mont, Emily Vigee witnessed the extent to which Roger would beco consud by victory.
In the end, Roger punished Kobe.
An unforgettable punishnt.
Roger was soon swallowed by the crowd of Warriors fans storming the court, and Mike Breen cald down his emotions.
He glanced at Kobe, who was once again leaving the court in defeat amidst the confetti, and sighed.
"Roger delivered a great performance, no doubt, it’s painful, but you have to give him praise."
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