May 19, 2001, the first game of the Western Conference Finals was held at the Spurs' home court!
At the request of the Spurs fans, and after obtaining David Robinson's consent, Popovich let He Xi Meng come out as the team's number one player!
This was He Xi Meng's first appearance as the team's number one player in his Spurs career!
"Ladies and gentlemen, get ready with your applause and cheers, let us welcome... Xi Meng~"
As soon as the DJ's voice fell, the stadium lights went out, and a spotlight shone directly on the home team's player tunnel!
"Small scene, small scene..." He Xi Meng comforted himself, then, bathed in the spotlight, he jogged out with a smile.
"
"Come on, Crazy Shooter, let's see if you can go crazy again today?" Kobe said, retreating on defense and verbally attacking He Xi Meng.
He Xi Meng was long accustomed to Kobe's routine! Mind games? Useless on He Xi Meng, alright?
Kobe, of course, knew that his routine might work on anyone else, but it was ineffective against He Xi Meng. Because they knew each other too well, the harshest words Kobe uttered were merely a clumsy performance in He Xi Meng's eyes.
Therefore, Kobe's intention was not to provoke He Xi Meng, but to provoke himself! Through words, he aimed to establish a sense of rivalry, increase competitive emotion, and boost his own state of play...