"Who can mess with us two brothers!"
Su Wan glanced at the replay of the dunk during his retreat, which strongly resembled the one LeBron James got dunked on at the 2024 Olympics.
Only the angles were a bit different.
That dunk filled the Pacers with renewed defensive vigor.
But Tim Duncan answered back with a mid-range jump shot.
That’s the "Stone Buddha" mentality.
Su Wan believed that he definitely felt ups and downs mentally, but he managed to suppress them with positive self-talk.
That’s why he’s considered LeBron’s longest-reigning ruler.
Mental strength was just destined!
At the end of the third quarter, the Pacers hadn’t gained momentum, but they also hadn’t lost their 7-point lead, entering the final quarter of the game.
During the break, a courtside reporter asked Su Wan, "How does it feel to dunk on Tim Duncan?"
Su Wan responded, "Isn’t that something every rookie should be doing?"
The reporters all laughed.
Being dubbed as "the greatest dunked-upon defender," Tim Duncan indeed had been dunked on by many rookies.
Including LeBron James.
As the fourth quarter began, it was clear that the Spurs had intensified their physical play, but without Bruce Bowen, mere intensity wasn’t enough.
Horry was too slow, and with Tony Parker’s frail physique at the point guard spot, both Su Wan and Tinsley could easily threaten a breakthrough against these two.
Popovich sorely missed Bruce Bowen.
The camera frequently focused on Bowen in civilian clothes.
Seemingly using the camera to tell the fans:
This game, we’re missing a key defensive player.
With no other choice, Tim Duncan had to switch back to "solo offense" mode, attempting to use his scoring ability to close the gap. Then in the final minute, hoping for a "Miracle Shot" from Manu Ginobili to possibly get them through this tough game.
What?
You’re asking about Tony Parker?
Honestly, Tim Duncan never really expected this French-import "Little Sports Car" to be of much help at such a crucial time.
Not messing things up was already good enough!
But if we talk about dueling, especially in the last minutes of the fourth quarter, Su Wan was not at all troubled!
Yet tonight, Tim Duncan was also miraculously exceptional, scoring continuously and in less than 3 minutes, he scored 8 points.
No doubt Tim Duncan was focused on scoring, and he could become a "Super scorer," but tonight’s performance was exceptionally fierce.
Su Wan said to Little O’Neal, "Try to foul him, make him go to the free throw line, mess up his rhythm."
The "Hexagonal Warrior" if there was one aspect where he was a bit unstable.
It must be mentioned—it was his free throw.
Hovering around 70% annually.
Especially in crucial moments, he often had performances of making only 1 of 2 free throws.
And it had a lot to do with his unorthodox free throw stance.
It’s strange why, being "Mr. Fundamental," all of his other offensive moves were so accurate, just this free throw stance was quite odd:
During the shot, his body would unconsciously lean forward.
Could it be that practicing free throws is so dull, he gets sleepy after a while? fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm
"Clang!"
"Swish!"
"Clang!"
"Swish!"
As expected, Tim Duncan replicated his famous "1-of-2 free throws" scenario twice, thereby interrupting his scoring spree.
Su Wan unleashed "Full Power," initiating a 6-0 "Scoring Wave," and eventually led the Pacers to an opening victory with a score of 101 to 87, a 14-point margin.
Tim Duncan finished with 34 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks, and 2 steals, doing everything he could.
Su Wan scored 28 points and also contributed 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. Despite being completely overshadowed stat-wise, he secured the victory.
After the game, facing reporters, he said, "No wonder they turn a blind eye to Bruce Bowen’s malice. Without Bruce Bowen, they’re so weak!"