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?"

Before the game, Popovich proactively sought advice from his chief assistant coach Budenholzer.

Budenholzer replied with a wry smile: "It's difficult... because he's much stronger this season than last."

Last summer, Qin Yue put on an additional 3 kilograms of muscle, subtly enhancing his strength and resistance to confrontation.

Moreover, with the "Flying Pig" badge boost, he could even avoid the penalty usually associated with gaining weight, as long as he stayed under a certain weight threshold.

Combined with his refined perimeter skills under Anthony's tutelage...

Budenholzer was convinced that unless Tim Duncan could be five years younger...

The Spurs were destined to face an unstoppable Qin Yue in this series.

And the Spurs have always feared such superstars, whom they cannot contain.

"Damn it, how could God give a yellow-skinned Chinese man such incredible basketball talent?" Popovich complained to God while stomping his foot twice in frustration.

This is a series the Spurs must win.

But right now, their greatest obstacle is the opponent they dread the most.

Reluctant as he is to admit it, Popovich knows better than anyone that the Spurs fear Qin Yue more than they ever did O'Neal back in the day.

At center court, having already exchanged pleasantries with Duncan yesterday, Qin Yue stepped onto the court with the other four Warriors starters—Murphy, Artest, Richardson, and Davis.

With Murphy starting tonight, Popovich fretfully remarked, "Are they planning to use a five-shooter lineup to crush our zone defense?"

Beside him, Budenholzer commented, "Pop, I'm afraid it's more than that."

Unlike in the first playoff round.

Because the Nuggets' lineup had the potential to penetrate the Warriors' defense, the Warriors had to employ Brown to enhance their defense.

But the Spurs' starters...

Observing Fabricio Oberto getting ready to jump ball against Qin Yue at center court, with Bowen, Finley flanking Duncan, and Parker lurking behind...

Mike Malone couldn't help but ridicule: "Weren't the Spurs always clamoring for a player who could relieve Tim Duncan from defensive duties? So why did they end up with this guy (Oberto)?"

At this point, the strength of the Spurs relied heavily on their solid defense and the Spurs' brain trust's advanced tactical innovations.

Historically, once the Spurs started valuing the importance of the three-point shot, they increased their average three-point attempts from 16 in the 05/06 season to 19 in the 06/07 season.

And in the playoffs, the Spurs' average three-point attempts were nearly 20 per game.

More three-point attempts gave Tony Parker more space to operate offensively, leading him to a career-defining season.

After advancing to the finals and sweeping the LeBron James-led Cavaliers, Parker was chosen as the NBA Finals MVP for the first time in his career.

However, facing this Warriors team, the Spurs' tough defense is doomed to be less effective than usual.

After the jump ball, the Warriors had possession.

Davis brought the ball past half-court and passed it to Murphy, who was stationed at the top of the arc.

The Spurs' one-on-four zone, no matter who they use to guard, the one they guard will only ever be Qin Yue.

Therefore, once the Warriors use Murphy to break the one-on-four zone, the Spurs do not have extra defensive resources to limit Murphy from receiving the ball.

On the court, as Bowen engaged in his "martial arts" trying to thwart Qin Yue from initiating the attack, he was no longer restricted as he was last year.

Yet, as the Spurs' one-on-four zone broke down, Qin Yue used his weight advantage to establish a low-post position, turning Bowen's defensive tactics into those of a circus clown.

Especially in the moment he tried to front and block Qin Yue from getting the ball...

The very next second, with Murphy easily lobbing the basketball into Qin Yue's hands, his expression was nothing short of being utterly impressed.

Qin Yue got the ball, cut directly to the basket, and dunked fiercely with both hands.

Popovich, who always thought the Spurs lost to the Warriors last year due to the officiating, never imagined that, even under Bowen's ruthless and aggressive defense, Qin Yue would score as easily as drinking water.

Yet, mindful of Duncan's feelings, Popovich dared not resort to sacrificing Duncan as he did last year to make Qin Yue pay a toll on offense.

Besides, even if Duncan played the central role in their one-on-four zone...

The Spurs could still not resolve the Warriors' offense.

Because in just one play, Troy Murphy, with his starting appearance, informed the Spurs:

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.