The referee's whistle had long since blown, and Lakers coach Harris called a timeout to prepare for the final offensive play.
Shaquille O'Neal had managed to block David Robinson's last shot, only for a rookie number 21 to unexpectedly appear and successfully follow up with a tip-in, extending the Spurs' lead to 3 points. The situation was dire for the Lakers.
With only 20 seconds left, there was enough time for the Lakers to execute a full offensive possession. However, facing a 3-point deficit, the Lakers had a crucial decision to make: go for a three-pointer or quickly score two points?
Going for a three-pointer offered the best-case scenario of forcing overtime with a tie.
Scoring two points quickly, then intentionally fouling the Spurs players to send them to the free-throw line, followed by another offensive possession, held the possibility of a comeback victory or outright defeat.
Relatively speaking, the first option was straightforward, while the second was complex and unpredictable.
Coach Harris ultimately chose the latter! He devised a pick-and-roll play for He Ximeng and O'Neal, with He Ximeng holding the ball outside and appearing ready to shoot. Horry would set a screen for O'Neal inside, allowing O'Neal an opportunity to get a quick two points at the basket. Then, they would quickly foul, send the Spurs to the line, and attempt one last offensive possession to see if a comeback was possible.
The Lakers' offensive execution was initially successful, but Harris hadn't anticipated that Popovich had predicted the Lakers' choice and had already alerted the Spurs players: if O'Neal got the ball, foul him hard!
Yes, the Spurs' strategy was, in fact, a fouling tactic! If not an obvious foul, then at least a steal attempt.
After Horry engaged David Robinson, Duncan immediately switched to defend. The moment O'Neal caught the ball, Duncan forcefully slapped at the ball in O'Neal's hands! If it had been a simple swipe, O'Neal could have disregarded it.
A mere swat was insignificant; O'Neal didn't care about his shooting touch when he wasn't shooting.
However, Duncan's mind was exceptionally clear at that crucial moment. He didn't stop with just one swipe. Sensing that his initial swipe wouldn't dislodge the ball from O'Neal, he decisively followed up with a tug, pretending to "stumble" to the ground, and with shameless audacity, threw his entire body weight onto O'Neal, finally preventing the dunk.
The referee's whistle blew, and a dejected O'Neal walked to the free-throw line.
It almost seemed as if he was the one who committed the foul, not Duncan.
O'Neal's original intention was to complete a three-point play!
In that scenario, even if he missed the free throw, the Lakers could have fouled, sent the Spurs to the line, and attempted a final possession.
Instead, he had underestimated the rookie's shamelessness and hadn't expected him to use his body weight to stop his dunk. Now, he hadn't scored any points and had to shoot free throws.
O'Neal nervously wiped the sweat from his temples and licked his dry lips.
"Hey, Shaq, relax! The more relaxed you are, the easier the ball goes in!" He Ximeng reminded him from behind.
O'Neal turned back and gave He Ximeng a smile that was worse than a cry. He Ximeng knew his advice was likely in vain.
As expected, O'Neal's first free throw missed.
For the second free throw, O'Neal threw the ball with immense force, abandoning any hope of making it and instead charging towards the basket for the rebound!
David Robinson and Duncan were prepared. They positioned themselves on either side, boxing out and attempting to impede O'Neal, completely denying him a chance to tip in the rebound.
As the three players battled for the rebound, Horry seized an opportunity, snagged the ball, and lobbed it out to He Ximeng, who was beyond the three-point line!
He Ximeng, with no time to adjust, caught the ball and shot it, successfully sinking a three-pointer just as the buzzer sounded!
96:96! He Ximeng's buzzer-beating, game-tying three-pointer sent the game into overtime.
The San Antonio fans, who had already raised their arms in anticipation of a Spurs victory, dejectedly lowered them.
O'Neal, who had just missed both free throws and failed to get the tip-in, ecstatically rushed towards He Ximeng, scooped him up, and spun him around three times!
"I love you, Ximeng! You saved this game!"
He Ximeng, holding up three fingers, wanted to bask in the moment on the Spurs' home court, but was immediately grabbed from behind by O'Neal, spun around until he was disoriented, and then set back down by the jubilant O'Neal.
"Ahem... Shaq, the game isn't over yet. Do you have to be so excited?"
He Ximeng rubbed his chest, which felt bruised from O'Neal's embrace, and helplessly reminded O'Neal.
O'Neal slapped his chest and said, "Trust me! In overtime, I won't give the Spurs another chance..."
O'Neal wasn't boasting. In the ensuing overtime period, a determined Big Shark truly went into beast mode! He delivered dunks and blocks, and even at the free-throw line, he performed exceptionally, making 4 out of 6 attempts.
Ultimately, O'Neal accounted for 10 of the Lakers' 13 points in overtime, helping them secure a 109:100 overtime victory against the Spurs!
They maintained their undefeated start with a six-game winning streak and concluded their three-game road trip through Texas with a perfect 3-0 record.
He Ximeng's shooting efficiency in this game wasn't great; he made only 5 out of 11 shots, 3 out of 7 three-pointers, and 2 out of 2 free throws, finishing with 15 points, 7 assists, and 2 rebounds.
However, 9 of He Ximeng's 15 points came in the final three minutes of the fourth quarter, showcasing his clutch performance when it mattered most.
Without He Ximeng's late-game surge, it would have been difficult for the Lakers to tie the game in regulation, and consequently, they wouldn't have had the opportunity for an overtime comeback.
It could be said that He Ximeng, single-handedly, snatched victory away from the Spurs, leaving Popovich on the sidelines looking helpless.
After the game, Popovich engaged in his customary "poisonous milk" (backhanded praise) mode, praising O'Neal's dominance in the paint while also commending He Ximeng's organizational talent.
O'Neal's performance today was indeed impressive, especially in overtime, where he essentially defeated the Spurs' twin towers by himself. Of course, the Spurs' big men had also expended too much energy in regulation trying to contain O'Neal, which allowed him to gain an advantage in overtime.
Throughout the entire game, O'Neal accumulated 36 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks.
David Robinson led the Spurs with 25 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block.
Duncan contributed 19 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks for the Spurs, making him their second-highest scorer.
Combined, the Spurs' twin towers had more statistics than O'Neal alone, which explains why the Spurs held an advantage during regulation time.
But to Popovich's surprise, He Ximeng managed to find his rhythm again before the game ended, going from 0-for-4 from three-point range to 3-for-3, directly crushing the Spurs' hopes of victory.