But since He Xi Meng was there, it wouldn't be easy for Popovich to misjudge in the future.
Before this game started, He Xi Meng voluntarily asked to increase his shooting percentage.
Popovich, surprised, asked He Xi Meng why, as He Xi Meng rarely made such "presumptuous" requests.
He Xi Meng said resentfully, "Because Kevin led Dream Team IV to defeat me twice in Sydney..."
Popovich then realized He Xi Meng was referring to the recently concluded Olympics. Dream Team IV had indeed defeated the Chinese team led by He Xi Meng twice.
"Ok! I think your request is reasonable? David, Tim, what about you two? Any objections?"
David Robinson shook his head and said, "I have no problem, as long as the team wins!"
Duncan also shook his head, indicating no objection, and added, "I've always thought Xi Meng should take on more scoring responsibility..."
"Alright then! In this game, you have unlimited shooting rights! Kid, let's see your fire of revenge..." Popovich revealed a cunning smile that made He Xi Meng's heart pound. But this time, the request was made by He Xi Meng himself, so he couldn't blame Popovich.
The game began, and Nesterović beat David Robinson to win the tip-off for the Timberwolves, giving them the first possession.
David Robinson's tip-offs were usually solid, rarely missing even against O'Neal, so it was a small surprise to He Xi Meng that he lost to the young Nesterović today.
Billups brought the ball up, passing to Garnett at the high post. Garnett, facing Duncan, didn't immediately post up but patiently waited for his teammates to make their cuts.
Billups used a high off-ball screen from Nesterović to shake off He Xi Meng, who was defending him. Facing the double-team from David Robinson, Billups took one step, pulled up from the mid-range, and smoothly sank a two-pointer!
Compared to last season, Billups was clearly more composed and confident. After years of struggle, he was finally living up to his potential on the Timberwolves, gradually shedding the label of a "bust" lottery pick. However, the Timberwolves were not his peak; his true prime would be in Detroit.
Seeing Billups' silky-smooth mid-range jumper, He Xi Meng wasn't surprised at all. This was Billups' true skill. The Billups who was chased by He Xi Meng last season was just an anomaly during his less successful period.
He Xi Meng had no intention of "teaching" Billups a lesson today. He didn't care whether Billups played well or not. But this year, He Xi Meng wanted to defeat Garnett thoroughly to wash away the humiliation of being dominated by Dream Team IV in the Olympics.
Turning around, He Xi Meng pushed the ball forward while directing his teammates' cuts. Billups retreated on defense, glancing back at the Spurs' movements.
Although they had a good relationship, Billups felt a strange tension whenever he faced He Xi Meng now. In previous seasons, He Xi Meng had consistently outperformed him. And every time they met, He Xi Meng seemed to explode uncontrollably, unstoppable.
Sometimes, Billups wondered if He Xi Meng specifically targeted him. But after repeatedly watching game footage, Billups was convinced that He Xi Meng held no animosity towards him. The frequent outbursts were purely due to his shooting touch. Could this be the legendary "natural counter"?
Just as Billups was dismissing these thoughts and focusing on defending He Xi Meng on this play, Duncan suddenly moved to the three-point line to set a screen for He Xi Meng!
Billups' first reaction was "Uh oh!" He tried to squeeze past Duncan, but Duncan's screen was exceptionally well-executed, effectively trapping Billups and preventing him from catching up to He Xi Meng. In his desperation, Billups loudly urged Garnett to "switch!"
In fact, Garnett didn't need Billups to tell him; he had already chosen to switch immediately, preparing himself to defend He Xi Meng's drive.
But to Garnett's disappointment, He Xi Meng didn't drive. He faked a drive, stopped, and then changed direction. Instead, he took a step-back jumper from behind the three-point line and pulled up for a shot!
Garnett's momentum was disrupted by He Xi Meng's feints. By the time he leaped to contest the shot, He Xi Meng had already smoothly released the ball, shooting over Garnett towards the basket!
No surprise! The ball arced beautifully and swished through the net.
Garnett raised an eyebrow, revealing a hint of helplessness.
This was the helplessness He Xi Meng wanted to see.
"Hey, brother! Remember a month ago, when you led Dream Team IV and roared at us passionately? Did you ever consider my helplessness?"
"It's different times! That was the Olympics, this is the NBA..."
"No, no, no! Whether it's the Olympics or the NBA, it's all on the basketball court, right? Last time, you and your brothers beat me and my brothers so badly we couldn't lift our heads! This time, it's my turn to lead these brothers against your brothers... It's fair, isn't it?"
Garnett gave He Xi Meng a "still as sly as ever" look and said resentfully, "My brothers may be young, but you'd better not capsize in a ditch..."
"Championships never capsize!"
...
During the transition back on defense, He Xi Meng and Garnett exchanged a few brief words, a declaration of victory for this battle.
Garnett naturally understood that the Timberwolves' overall strength had a considerable gap compared to the defending champion Spurs, much like the Chinese team facing Garnett's Dream Team IV in the Olympics. To defeat the Spurs, the Timberwolves needed patience and extreme caution.
On the Timberwolves' second possession, Garnett played very cautiously. After posting up Duncan, he kept an eye on his teammates' movements, eventually opting for an inside pass to Nesterović in the low post!
Nesterović took a step, and to avoid David Robinson's interference, he attempted a difficult hook shot off the glass. Unfortunately, the ball rolled off the rim. Garnett tried to rebound, but Duncan got to it first.
Duncan immediately passed to He Xi Meng, who turned and pushed the fast break. Billups couldn't stop him and was forced to chase, trying to disrupt He Xi Meng's quick shot. But He Xi Meng was brimming with offensive desire today. Even at the risk of a turnover, he refused to slow down, dragging Billups all the way to the Timberwolves' basket. Before Garnett and Nesterović could catch up, he took flight...