After He Xi Meng grasped his teammates' state, he immediately changed his pre-game strategy from primarily focusing on his own offense to focusing on his teammates' offense! Before entering his "crazy shooter" mode, he switched to top-tier point guard mode!
The Lakers continued to concentrate most of their defensive attention on He Xi Meng, which in turn allowed him to use himself as bait to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
As a result, before the first quarter even ended, He Xi Meng had already dished out 7 assists! At this pace, He Xi Meng's assist total for the game was likely to be extraordinary...
It wasn't that He Xi Meng's passes were particularly brilliant in this game; rather, his teammates today were truly exceptional! While not hitting every shot, their shooting percentages were at least above 50%! It's not uncommon for one or two players to shoot over 50% in a game, but for most of the team to maintain such a high percentage was quite terrifying!
The Spurs, capitalizing on this, engaged in an offensive battle with the Lakers, scoring 38 points in the first quarter and taking a 6-point lead, making the Lakers' "OK" combination seem a bit outgunned...
In the second quarter, the substitute players, Ginobili and Malik Rose, seemingly inspired by their teammates, also found their shooting touch to be fiery hot! With one inside and one outside, they unleashed their offense immediately, matching the starters' prowess.
By halftime, the Spurs already had four players in double figures.
By the end of the third quarter, the Spurs had six players in double figures.
The Spurs, with their entire roster contributing like an army, left the Lakers unable to defend effectively, with everywhere being a vulnerability. The result was that the Lakers' defense was practically nonexistent... Ultimately, despite scoring a high of 111 points, the Lakers still lost 111:120!
"Lunatics! A bunch of lunatics..."
After the game, the Lakers players couldn't help but exclaim that the entire Spurs team were lunatics!
Brad Miller, an unknown player, scored a team-high 22 points for the Spurs, followed by He Xi Meng with 21 points, Radmanovic with 18, Ginobili with 17, David Robinson with 13, and Bowen with 12...
It was one thing to have six players in double figures, but even more insane was He Xi Meng's staggering 23 assists today!
21 points and 23 assists! This double-double stat line was truly remarkable. His assist total was higher than his scoring total. Was this the same "crazy shooter" who had scored 51 points just a few days ago? He was clearly an "assist fanatic"...
Under the watchful eyes of basketball fans worldwide, He Xi Meng displayed another extreme facet of his game! While somewhat unexpected, upon reflection, it was also perfectly logical.
With He Xi Meng orchestrating, the Spurs secured a victory that was very much in the Spurs' style, tenaciously tying the series at 2:3!
Although this victory did not change the ultimate outcome of the series.
In Game 6, played in Los Angeles, the Lakers did not give the Spurs another opportunity to showcase their team basketball, nor did they give He Xi Meng a chance to display his shooting prowess or his "fanatic" side. They attacked with full force, winning 111:102, eliminating the Spurs and ending their season, a season full of hope that ultimately shattered...
"Congratulations, you are only one step away from the championship!"
After the game, He Xi Meng calmly offered his congratulations to Kobe and O'Neal.
Kobe accepted He Xi Meng's congratulations with a beaming smile: "Comparatively speaking, I enjoy the taste of victory more! The championship is merely an accessory to a series of victories..."
"Keep bragging! You're the winners, so whatever you say is your prerogative..."
"Xi Meng, you're wrong there! Kobe is right! Ever since Tim went down with an injury, this year's championship was destined, and could only, belong to us..." O'Neal's tone was even more arrogant than Kobe's, showing no regard for He Xi Meng or Iverson in the East.
"I wonder who was it that almost lost his temper after missing 2 out of 10 free throws..."
"Was I losing my temper? I was clearly just unhappy with the referee's calls! Why do they keep giving me opportunities to shoot free throws? They know I don't like shooting free throws..." O'Neal spread his hands wide, feigning innocence.
He Xi Meng decided not to engage in further conversation with the "OK" duo. They had won and were now acting all innocent, which hurt his pride...
After O'Neal and Kobe, He Xi Meng continued to congratulate Da Zhi, Fox, Horry, and Tyronn Lue... As for Fisher, He Xi Meng initially didn't intend to offer congratulations, but the "little fish" automatically swam up seeking them.
One shouldn't refuse a friendly gesture!
Although He Xi Meng didn't wish to have any close personal relationship with Fisher, he felt that basic courtesy was in order.
After a round of congratulations and pleasantries, He Xi Meng became the last Spurs player to leave the court.
He Xi Meng thought all the Lakers fans had already dispersed, but unexpectedly, a few loyal fans were waiting at the visitors' tunnel, holding He Xi Meng's old #4 Lakers jersey and hoping for his autograph.
Generally, players are reluctant to sign jerseys from their previous teams after switching teams. This is not only a matter of loyalty but also commercial interests.
However, seeing that the number of fans was small and that they had waited for a long time, He Xi Meng accepted several jerseys and signed his name, fulfilling their wishes. Nevertheless, it felt strange for He Xi Meng, wearing a Spurs #4 jersey, to sign a Lakers #4 jersey.
While he was signing, a boy around ten years old curiously asked He Xi Meng: "Will you ever return to the Lakers? I really like you, and I hope to continue watching you play here..."
He Xi Meng paused upon hearing the question and then replied: "Anything is possible! Professional players sometimes don't know who they'll be playing for next season! I'm the same. Maybe next season, or the season after, I'll return to the Lakers. Through free agency, or via a trade, who knows? Of course, I might also never come back here..."
He Xi Meng's answer did not completely extinguish the young fan's hope.
"Thank you so much for answering my question! I will treasure this jersey until you return to Los Angeles..."
"Thank you for your support!"
After finally finishing his autographs, He Xi Meng returned the jersey to the young fan, giving him a warm smile.
As a result, he was shocked by what he saw.
A familiar, tender face appeared before He Xi Meng's eyes! A prominent nose, deep-set eyes, and hair like the fine curls of the Buddha...