In the final 10 seconds, Popovich didn’t call a tiout either, apparently wanting to catch the opponent by surprise.
But Joerger reacted swiftly at this mont, rushing to the sidelines and signaling the team to extend their defense against the three-pointer.
The Spurs didn’t get an opportunity from outside, and in the end, Duncan had to score a quick two points under the basket.
The Grizzlies then called a tiout, and after the tiout, Little Gasol successfully inbounded the ball and Hansen was fouled on the catch.
Amidst the cheers of "MVP" from the entire crowd, Hansen made both free throws.
With the final 5 seconds left, the Spurs had no choice but to go for a three-pointer.
Green’s three-point shot was ultimately disrupted by Carter and missed the basket.
Although Duncan grabbed the offensive rebound, there was too little ti left after he passed it to Manu Ginobili.
He forced a shot over Hansen and missed the three-pointer completely, and the ga ca to an end.
to 107, the Grizzlies ultimately won by a 4-point margin, thus eliminating the Spurs with a 4-2 series score.
At the end of the ga, the cara focused on Duncan.
The legendary player of the League, who Hansen always referred to as the "strongest player in the League," had tears in his eyes at this mont.
His emotion wasn’t just because of the win or loss, but also a reflection on his own career.
Despite giving it his all, he still couldn’t achieve the desired ending in the end.
Life is always filled with regrets.
After the ga ended, the teams exchanged the final handshake.
Hansen felt sowhat moved the mont he saw Duncan.
If not for his ergence, Duncan would have secured his fifth championship title this year.
But that’s competitive sports—there are no happy endings, and there’s only ever one winner.
He smiled at Duncan and said, "It’s mine now."
Duncan, though filled with emotion, couldn’t help but laugh when he heard Hansen’s words.
Back when he told Jas "The future is yours," many people didn’t know the following part—"but the present is mine."
Hansen was using his own catchphrase to cheer him up.
He patted Hansen on the shoulder with a smile and nodded, "Yes, it’s yours now."
After the handshake ceremony, the Grizzlies players paid their respects to their ho fans, and the arena was filled with cheers.
Now, the only thing standing between them and the improbable dynasty in the eyes of the outsiders was the Heat Team, the opponent they had beaten two years in a row.
At the post-ga press conference, Hansen and Joerger attended together.
"I have to tip my hat to TD; he’s a great legend. But I don’t believe this is his curtain call, and I look forward to facing off against him next season."
The Spurs are the Spurs, and Duncan is Duncan.
Even though Duncan’s accolades are tied to the Spurs dynasty, that doesn’t negate his skills.
Reporters also asked about Hansen’s final slam dunk.
"To be honest, I don’t like dunking because it hurts. I choose to dunk because I want the fans to say, ’Oh, fuck, we couldn’t stop him again tonight.’"
"Of course, that includes Popovich." After saying this, Hansen didn’t forget to add a final dig.
Seeing Duncan off was sentintal, but saying goodbye to Popovich was pleasing.
"This season we saw an increase in the number of your dunks compared to the past, will you consider participating in the dunk contest in the future?" the reporter asked in turn.
"Yes, I will participate. If nothing unexpected happens, next year will be the right ti," Hansen replied very straightforwardly.
This was because right after completing the dunk over Duncan, his [guaranteed dunk contest victory if participated] had finally reached its peak.
His response imdiately stirred up excitent at the scene.
Compared to Jas, who made bold statents and then dodged, Hansen’s reply was much more straightforward, almost unbelievably so.
But considering next year’s All-Star Ga was going to be held in mphis, Hansen’s attitude seed quite reasonable.
The third-season finals between the Grizzlies and the Heat, and the lineup changes compared to last year’s finals were not considerable.
But the anticipation for this year’s finals was still set very high.
Actually, it was only when the two teams truly encountered each other in the finals that many people realized how different this year’s finals were.
Yes, the Grizzlies, this small-market team, were on the brink of achieving a dynasty!
This would bring unprecedented anticipation to all small-market teams.
Who could say again that there are no miracles in a business-minded League?
Just use the Grizzlies to shut them up!
anwhile, the pressure on the Heat Team would be felt by everyone on the team, not just the players, but also the managent.
Trading Jas for Durant and securing 70 wins was undoubtedly a very successful deal.
Before the start of the finals last year.
Just as when the Heat successfully ford The Big Three and began the 2011 finals, everything was filled with beautiful fantasies.
But everyone knows what happened next, the Heat’s finals journey over the past three years could be described as a disaster.
1-4 swept by the Dallas people, 0-4 swept by the Grizzlies, 70-win runners-up, peak The Big Three, top odds for the championship...
Yet they only got three shiny gold background boards in the end.
If they fail to win the championship this year, they really might need to consider a rebuild.
Don’t forget, Wade and Bosh’s contracts are exactly the sa as Jas’s, and considering the growth of the League’s salary cap, they will surely opt out this sumr.
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