It wasn't clear if Duncan caught the implied meaning in Hexi Meng's words. Logically, Duncan, being quite sharp, should have understood. But currently, Duncan was all engrossed with Amy, and their feelings were still in the "a day apart feels like three autumns" phase. It was unlikely he'd be receptive to Hexi Meng's suggestion…
Fortunately, the majority of Duncan's funds were managed by Hexi Meng's good buddy, John!
At least, the future Duncan wouldn't end up losing both his love and his money.
After discussing friends and women, the two finally talked about cars!
Duncan's ride in college was a large SUV, a GMC Yukon series! Upon arriving in San Antonio, the Spurs couldn't bear to part with his first car and had it air-freighted over. He still drove it occasionally. However, today, in order to show off in front of his good roommate, Duncan had specifically driven out a super classic first-generation Camaro he'd acquired just this summer, produced in 1968!
It just goes to show, good buddies often share similar hobbies!
Hexi Meng had gotten his hands on a second-generation Camaro, but Duncan was even more impressive, directly acquiring a first-generation Camaro collector's edition!
While introducing his new ride, Duncan was radiant and proudly stated that he had personally completed most of the modification work on this vintage car himself! It had taken him almost a month, bit by bit…
Although Hexi Meng also liked vintage cars, doing the modifications himself? Forget it…
"As long as you're happy! From now on, all my cars will be yours to modify!"
"Really? Are you sure?" Duncan's eyes lit up instantly at this. He hadn't looked this excited even when he led his team to the NCAA championship back then.
After catching up with Duncan, Hexi Meng, back at the hotel, made a goodnight call to Kayla, who was far away in Los Angeles.
The next evening, the Lakers versus Spurs showdown officially began!
Popovich's starting lineup for the Spurs was center David Robinson, power forward Duncan, small forward Elliott, shooting guard Montie Williams, and point guard Avery Johnson!
For the Lakers, it was center O'Neal, power forward Horry, small forward Fox, shooting guard Eddie Jones, and point guard Hexi Meng.
As the game started, David Robinson was outmatched by O'Neal. O'Neal secured the tip-off, giving the Lakers the first possession.
Hexi Meng brought the ball up steadily, with Johnson sticking close, maintaining his distance, and retreating cautiously.
For the opening play, Hexi Meng unhesitatingly passed the ball to O'Neal in the paint, letting the big man take the first bite at the dinner table…
However, Hexi Meng wasn't just throwing it in blindly. He called for a screen from Horry, switched defenders, drew Duncan out, and then passed it inside.
O'Neal got an opportunity to go one-on-one against David Robinson. He took a dribble, faked a spin, stepped forward directly, and slammed home a one-handed dunk over David Robinson!
O'Neal's strength had indeed improved considerably this season. A play like this would have been difficult for last season's O'Neal to execute. But this season, he had dominated Olajuwon in the previous game, and now he was preparing to dominate David Robinson…
O'Neal had already taken down two of the top twenty centers in league history this season…
Turning around, David Robinson didn't try to force the issue against O'Neal. Instead, he pulled up for a jump shot at the edge of the paint, leaving O'Neal staring helplessly!
A jump shot from this distance was virtually an impossible task for O'Neal!
But for David Robinson, it was just right!
After the two big brothers had scored the opening baskets, their teammates could now play freely!
Hexi Meng wasn't in a hurry to attack himself. He continued to look for Horry's high pick-and-roll, aiming for a mismatch and then passing to O'Neal!
But on this play, "Little General" was resolute, squeezing forcefully between Horry and Hexi Meng, disrupting their pick-and-roll.
Unable to create a mismatch, Hexi Meng had to force a drive. He compelled the Spurs to pack the paint before passing to Horry at the high post. Horry then kicked it out to Eddie Jones on the weak side three-point line. Jones received the pass and shot over Montie Williams' closeout, hitting a three-pointer!
The biggest weakness of the Spurs' current starting lineup was the lack of a three-point threat!
Elliott, Montie Williams, and Avery Johnson were all inconsistent with their three-point shooting and didn't take many shots.
The consequence of this lack of three-point threat was that the Lakers could freely shrink their defense, clogging the paint.
The Spurs struggled mightily, passing the ball around the perimeter before finally getting it to David Robinson in the paint.
Duncan set an inside screen for David Robinson, helping him hold off O'Neal. David Robinson then drove strong against Horry!
Horry couldn't hold his ground on this play and had to foul, sending the Admiral to the free-throw line.
The Admiral's free-throw percentage was not O'Neal's!
First free throw, made!
Second free throw, also made!
O'Neal pouted helplessly and turned around to prepare for the next possession.
Hexi Meng brought the ball past half-court and passed to Eddie Jones on the wing. Jones then passed to Fox… The ball circulated around the Lakers' perimeter before finally landing in O'Neal's hands in the paint. O'Neal was preparing to drive against David Robinson when Horry made a cut, trying to shake off the rookie Duncan for a backdoor play…
Hexi Meng immediately sensed trouble and sprinted into the three-point line.
As expected, Horry had gotten past Duncan. In reality, Duncan was right behind Horry. The moment Horry went up for the layup, Duncan leaped high and, from a diagonal rear angle, swatted Horry's layup off the backboard!
Fortunately, Hexi Meng had reacted quickly and, before Duncan could land and jump again, snatched the ball into his arms.
If it were an ordinary point guard, they would likely have attacked the basket immediately. After all, Duncan had just jumped once and might not react in time. But Hexi Meng knew Duncan's terrifying shot-blocking ability. Especially since Duncan hadn't suffered a major injury yet and was in his athletic prime.
Therefore, Hexi Meng didn't even glance at the basket. He immediately passed the ball to Fox on the wing!
Fox, suddenly presented with such a good open look, naturally wouldn't miss. He caught the ball and shot, making another three-pointer!
Duncan looked dejected and asked Hexi Meng, "With such a great opportunity, why didn't you go for it yourself?"
Hexi Meng gave Duncan a look that said "You're not fooling me." "You've gotten bad!"
Duncan raised an eyebrow and replied helplessly, "You're still as hard to block…"