Series G3, the San Antonio Spurs and the Grizzlies headed to Memphis to continue their contest.
The Spurs made significant adjustments tactically, focusing the game on defense.
After game G2, Popovich said with a stern face at the press conference, "We will never make so many mistakes again." Now, it seemed he realized the Grizzlies had regained their form and he voluntarily abandoned the team play strategy.
This approach appeared costly, as their season’s success depended on the new playing style.
However, once the actual game began, that was proven to be the right choice.
The [Hammer Strategy] was just icing on the cake; the core strength of the Spurs lay in their defense.
With Green and Leonard, along with Duncan in the paint, this lineup was already top-tier in the league, not to mention the Spurs also had a mature defensive system.
The foundation of defense was meant for counterattacking, which also exploited the Grizzlies’ twin tower lineup’s weaknesses.
An easily overlooked point was that of the GDP, Parker was much younger compared to Manu Ginobili and Duncan at just 32 years old, still at his prime.
His ability to push defensive counterattacks was first-tier in the league.
Moreover, Popovich implemented a staunch double-teaming defensive strategy against Hansen, with Leonard’s tight defense paired with Green’s help defense also limiting Hansen’s performance.
On the flip side, the Grizzlies continued the strong defense of the previous game, significantly limiting the Spurs’ offensive strategy.
Most of the game involved both sides competing in defensive counterattacks.
The outcome of the game was in the hands of the last quarter.
Hansen entered an aggressive mode in the final quarter, speeding up his offensive rhythm, and completed his attack before Green could assist in defense.
Crucially, he managed to make shots facing Leonard.
Throughout the fourth quarter, Hansen scored 15 points, fully displaying his "Spurs Killer" nature.
Supported by a 26 to 19 performance in the final quarter, the Grizzlies ultimately defeated the Spurs 97 to 90 to win the ultimate victory.
After winning G3, the Grizzlies turned the series around over two games, revising the overall score to 2 to 1.
The Grizzlies hinted there was still a wait.
"We all know VC can score, but many underestimate his defensive capability."
After G3, Hansen particularly mentioned Carter.
Following the last game when Hansen mentioned Guy’s sacrifice, this time he highlighted Carter’s defense.
With Carter starting due to emergency, his primary responsibility was defense.
Under his defense, Green, who performed well in G1, had his scoring restricted to single digits in these two games.
Talent sets the upper limit on defense, and Carter’s physical talent was unquestionable, even if his dynamic talent post triple under Bowen isn’t like his peak; his static talent remains unchanged.
After resting two days, G4 of the Spurs and Grizzlies series continued in Memphis.
The Spurs brought out an even stronger defense than in G3, trailing 1 to 2; another loss would have put them in a dire situation, akin to 1 to 3.
Popovich adjusted again during the game, switching Hansen’s defender from Leonard back to Green.
After Carter started previously, Hansen and Leonard were directly matched on the field.
This subtle adjustment had a good effect because, with average dynamic talent, Leonard defending Hansen tended to lose position.
But having Leonard help in defense, his long arms, and big hands added more pressure to Hansen than tight defense.
Especially since Leonard was also improving, his growing defensive experience and skills earned him a spot on the Second Defensive Team this season. Check latest chapters at 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩~𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖~𝙣𝙚𝙩
Hansen’s performance in this game was the most average of the series because he often had to choose to pass the ball.
But the good news was, Carter’s perimeter performance was very stable.
He made five three-pointers throughout the game, including the final game-winning three.
Manu Ginobili made a difficult layup with six seconds left in the game, putting the Spurs ahead by two points at the last moment.
On the final play in defense, Popovich still decisively double-teamed Hansen, because that was Hansen; even if he was average tonight, given the chance for a game-winner, he could still make the shot.
Caught in a double-team, Hansen passed to Carter in the corner, who faced Duncan’s help defense and hit the game-winner.
Just like the 1998 "last shot" when the Jazz did not double-team Jordan at the last moment, not because Sloan was foolish, but it was a defensive choice. If he had really double-teamed Jordan, the game-winner might have been by Cole or Kukoc.
"Han mentioned VC’s defense after the last game, it was to make Popovich forget about VC’s three-pointers," Barkley exclaimed at the last moment.
Carter was the one with the best three-point talent, most accurate, and most stable among the Four Great Guards, consistently over 35%, even occasionally hitting over 40%.
One of the most classic was in 2001 during the Eastern Finals against Iverson’s 76ers, when he hit eight three-pointers and scored 50 points to lead his team to victory.
A dunker who can’t shoot three-pointers is not a good dunker!
Excellent defense, coupled with stable three-point shooting, is also why Carter lasted so long in "history"; his style had gradually become 3D.
to 1, the Grizzlies obtained match point, and the Spurs were pushed to the brink.
It was then that Popovich once again opted for team basketball.
And this time, his adjustment finally won them the game.
The Spurs delivered up to 25 assists in the game, with five players scoring in double digits, they defeated the Grizzlies 117 to 107 to win a game back.