Such an incident, though minor, could have significant consequences.
If a sensitive star player perceived it as the rookie challenging his status within the team, he could immediately demand the head coach bench the rookie, relegating him to the sidelines for the rest of the game, serving drinks.
After scoring, Reed realized this potential issue and quickly went to apologize to He Xi Meng.
"I'm sorry, Xi Meng, I didn't mean to disrupt your play. I just saw that scoring opportunity, and it was really good..."
"I know! Don't worry, I know you meant no harm. Your choice just now was perfectly fine..."
He Xi Meng wasn't upset with Reed at all. He even casually high-fived Reed, encouraging him to attack with confidence. Among the Spurs, no one was more familiar with Reed's disposition than He Xi Meng. Reed was purely driven by his desire to score and seize opportunities, not by malice or any intention to confront a core player.
In fact, the Spurs didn't operate like other teams, categorizing players into different tiers. Coach Popovich preferred to treat everyone as his own protégés, with some arriving earlier and others later. Those who managed to establish themselves with the Spurs were all considered part of the Spurs family.
The game resumed, and the Spurs continued to "relax" their defense on O'Neal. This time, the mismatch guarding O'Neal was Brad Miller!
O'Neal, seizing such an opportunity, immediately called for the ball, preparing to overpower Brad Miller. However, Brad Miller, seemingly fearless, attempted to block O'Neal's shot, much to O'Neal's frustration.
O'Neal could understand David Robinson, a renowned center in the league, having such ideas. But who was Brad Miller to interfere? Wasn't he deliberately causing trouble?
Curiously, O'Neal had inadvertently stumbled upon Brad Miller's true intention: he was indeed ordered to cause trouble!
David Robinson had just committed a foul. To share the burden, it was Brad Miller's turn to send O'Neal to the free-throw line this possession! By taking turns fouling O'Neal, they could maintain their effectiveness on the court for a longer duration.
Facing O'Neal's aggressive chest bump, Brad Miller neither retreated nor escalated the confrontation but chose to stand his ground!
As this was the Spurs' home court, the referees quickly intervened and separated them. Since neither player had engaged in overly aggressive behavior, the referees merely issued a verbal warning to each.
O'Neal went to the free-throw line. He successfully sank the first shot, but the second bounced off the rim.
One for two from the line; Brad Miller's foul wasn't a complete loss.
On the Spurs' fast break, He Xi Meng again passed the ball to Reed, who was beyond the three-point line, while he himself looked for opportunities to run plays.
The Lakers were now wary of Reed, knowing this freshman didn't play by the rules and would disregard coach's plays if he felt like it – a maverick.
Reed couldn't find the same open look as the previous possession and wisely chose to hold back, waiting for He Xi Meng to create an opportunity. After a series of off-ball screens, He Xi Meng finally utilized a pick-and-roll with David Robinson and Brad Miller, successfully blocking his pursuers and creating an open three-point shot!
And He Xi Meng's shooting touch today was truly exceptional!
Perhaps it was because He Xi Meng had adjusted his state to its peak before the game, carrying no burden on his shoulders. He Xi Meng didn't expect to lead this Spurs team, composed of both older veterans and younger players, to defeat the Lakers at their prime without Duncan.
He Xi Meng only aimed for one or two victories. Of course, if a third victory were possible, he might dare to dream of a fourth. But before that, focusing on playing the first game well was enough.
A more relaxed mindset greatly aided players in performing to their potential. Especially after being tested by the Mavericks in the semifinals, He Xi Meng had fully unleashed his offensive prowess, allowing him to seamlessly switch between elite playmaking and scoring within the current Spurs lineup.
After sinking this three-pointer, He Xi Meng led the Spurs to an 8-1 run against the Lakers, narrowing the deficit back to the 4 points it was at the start of the second half.
Now, it was the Zen Master's turn to call a timeout.
The Zen Master seemed to have discerned the Spurs' intention to exploit O'Neal, calling a timeout to instruct O'Neal to focus on drawing double-teams rather than attempting isolation shots, thus preventing the Spurs from intentionally drawing fouls. Simultaneously, he urged Kobe to intensify his individual offense and Fisher to revitalize the scoring of other players.
Upon hearing he could increase his personal offense, Kobe's eyes lit up instantly! As for the latter part of the Zen Master's instructions, Kobe chose to selectively ignore it.
Therefore, after the timeout, Kobe immediately responded to his coach's trust with a picture-perfect fadeaway jump shot, proving he could lead the Lakers forward even when O'Neal was in trouble.
He Xi Meng, after hitting two consecutive three-pointers and successfully drawing the Lakers' defensive attention, pulling the "hatred" to its peak, then switched to playmaker mode. He recognized Reed's good form today and, in the third quarter, focused on tapping into Reed's potential, continuously creating opportunities and delivering passes to him!
Reed, fearless in his debut, did not let He Xi Meng's trust go unrewarded, scoring 10 points in the quarter and helping He Xi Meng successfully fend off Kobe's counterattack. With He Xi Meng sinking a near buzzer-beating three-pointer from beyond the arc at the end of the third quarter, the Spurs managed to tie the score at 80-80 before the start of the fourth quarter.
He Xi Meng scored 13 points and 4 assists in this quarter. Combined with his 26 points and 6 assists from the previous two quarters, he had amassed 39 points and 10 assists by the end of the third quarter, dominating the game.
Kobe scored 15 points in this quarter, bringing his total to 32 by the end of the third. He was a standout for the Lakers, outscoring O'Neal, but still slightly outshone by He Xi Meng.
This result left Kobe both annoyed and stimulated!
Annoyed that he was being outplayed in a head-to-head duel with He Xi Meng; stimulated because this He Xi Meng was worthy of being compared to him. The He Xi Meng of the past was too indifferent to scoring, lacking the youthful exuberance, and instead seemed world-weary like bench coaches, only concerned with telling players how to play "rationally."
If playing was just about being rational, why not let machines play? What need would there be for athletes?
Basketball, fundamentally, should be a sport filled with passion!