Thus, in this Western Conference Semifinal series against the Trail Blazers, He Xi Meng adopted a seemingly explosive stance, deterring the Trail Blazers from leaving him open. In reality, He Xi Meng's urge to shoot was not strong; he continuously utilized his passing and ball-handling abilities to deliver assists to O'Neal, Kobe, and Glen Rice.
Like a volcano that calms down after an eruption, He Xi Meng returned to his harmless, regular-season persona. Averaging 14 points and 11 assists, he helped the Lakers defeat the Trail Blazers 4:2 with relative ease.
Despite the young Trail Blazers possessing considerable strength, players like Rasheed Wallace and Jermaine O'Neal had not yet fully matured, limiting their threat.
In the other Western Conference matchup, the Spurs abandoned their regular-season low-key approach and swept the veteran Jazz 4:0, eliminating them from contention.
Perhaps Malone hadn't even realized, as they were being eliminated, how could they not have won a single game? Why were the Spurs' twin towers so formidable? Wasn't the era after Jordan supposed to be his, Malone's? Whose era was this, damn it?
Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference, Iverson, who aimed to lead the 76ers to a championship, was met with a crushing blow from the Pacers!
Reggie Miller, still in his prime, led the Pacers to another sweep, 4:0, eliminating the young 76ers.
Despite Iverson putting up averages of 28.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in those four games, it wasn't enough to secure even a single victory for his team.
In another series, between the Hawks and the Knicks, if the "cheating" Knicks, after their "Black Eight" upset, continued their surge, they swept the not-so-weak Hawks 4:0.
The final battle in the East thus became a showdown between Miller and Ewing, two unfortunate souls suppressed by "Air Jordan" their entire careers!
The winner of this series would break through the East and step onto the championship stage!
On May 29th, the Western Conference Finals commenced first in Los Angeles. The Lakers, playing at home, welcomed the challenge of the Spurs.
Before the game, Duncan, as usual, approached the center court to engage He Xi Meng in conversation. However, this time, to avoid suspicion, He Xi Meng dared not chat much with Duncan.
The playoffs were not the regular season. During the regular season, everyone was more relaxed, winning or losing a game wasn't that significant.
But in the playoffs, with a maximum of seven games, each one crucial for advancement, no one dared to take it lightly.
He Xi Meng did not want to be ostracized by his teammates for "colluding with the enemy."
"Speak if you have something to say, otherwise no idle chatter!"
"Oh ho! Impressive! As expected of Simon in his savage state..."
"Stop with that sarcastic tone! There are over ten thousand Lakers fans watching in this arena alone! We need to be discreet!"
"Discreet? Fine! It's just a Western Conference Final, is it really worth all this fuss?"
"Easy for you to say! You try giving up!"
"Give up? That's impossible!" Duncan chuckled. "This is my first Western Conference Final of my career, how memorable! Why would I give up? You guys are different; you've been to the Finals last year, it's our turn this year, right?"
"What are you talking about? Do you think the Finals are like picking fruits in line? We ate last year, you eat this year?"
"Based on your performance, you don't seem capable either, do you? Look, Campbell is gone, and in your current frontcourt lineup, O'Neal seems to be the only one who can match up against us..." Duncan said, gesturing towards David Robinson and himself, seemingly implying that the Lakers would struggle to contain the Spurs' twin towers.
He Xi Meng didn't back down, pointing to Kobe and himself, and retorted, "And the perimeter? Can you contain our twin stars?"
"It seems you're quite confident?"
"Likewise! Otherwise, do you think the Timberwolves would have died?"
Duncan was momentarily stunned by He Xi Meng's retort. He then extended his fist, "Then let's settle it on the court?"
"I won't hold back! Don't blame me if you lose!"
"Same to you! Come play in the paint if you dare?"
"You dare to block my three-pointers?"
He Xi Meng extended his fist and bumped it with Duncan's. They both turned and left. This Western Conference battle was destined to be a fight to the death!
For the Spurs, coach Popovich fielded a starting lineup of center David Robinson, power forward Tim Duncan, small forward Sean Elliott, shooting guard Mario Elie, and point guard Avery Johnson.
For the Lakers, to counter Duncan, coach Harris adjusted the starting lineup, replacing Horry with the heavier and more physical JR Reid as the Lakers' starting power forward. Harris's intentions were good, but the final effect was disastrous...
As the game began, David Robinson won the tip-off. Johnson, using Duncan's high screen, drove into the paint and forced a layup. The shot missed, but Duncan, trailing, soared from behind JR Reid to grab the rebound and complete a powerful put-back dunk!
JR Reid hadn't even reacted before Duncan dunked over him, a complete loss of face.
With this thunderous dunk, Duncan kicked off this series and delivered a statement of intent to the home-court Lakers.
The Lakers refused to yield. After He Xi Meng brought the ball up, he intended to have O'Neal score. However, David Robinson defended fiercely, and Duncan immediately rotated to provide help defense, forcing O'Neal to make an inside pass, aiming to assist JR Reid on the weak side.
If JR Reid had shot quickly after receiving the ball, he might have scored. But, after getting the advantageous position, JR Reid, in his cleverness, faked and made an unnecessary move, giving Duncan time to recover.
When JR Reid realized Duncan wasn't falling for the pump fake and attempted to dunk again, Duncan unceremoniously blocked his sure-thing two-handed slam.
JR Reid's old grievances were compounded by new ones!
Johnson, meanwhile, seized the opportunity to grab the loose ball and initiate a fast break. He Xi Meng stayed close behind, preventing "Little General" from a direct layup.
Johnson couldn't shake off He Xi Meng and opted for a close-range pull-up jumper. However, due to He Xi Meng's interference, he was forced to elevate the trajectory, and the shot still missed.
Kobe, who had also recovered on defense, grabbed the defensive rebound and brought the ball past half-court himself.
During the second-round series against the Trail Blazers, Kobe had often taken over ball-handling duties. The Lakers' current playing style was akin to a dual-point guard system, or perhaps, two combo guards.