Chapter 137: The Creed of the Grizzlies.
The game wasn't over yet.
Han Sen's confident three-pointer gave the Grizzlies a crucial lead, but it also left the Thunder with 5.8 seconds—enough time for a potential counter-killer.
Victory or defeat hinged on this final play.
Hollins mapped out a defensive strategy, focusing on double-teaming Durant—a tactic he was well-versed in. As the Thunder emerged from their timeout, Brooks subbed in Daequan Cook for Perkins.
The Thunder's final lineup: Westbrook, Harden, Cook, Durant, and Ibaka.
It looked like an extra shooter had been added, but Han Sen noticed something and grabbed Conley before returning to the court. Their frequent communication paid off; they exchanged a few crucial words in seconds.
Thunder possession. Harden inbounded from the sideline.
Durant, using an Ibaka screen, cut out—standard motion.
But instead of receiving the pass, Durant set a screen for Westbrook, who drove hard to the basket.
Harden, faking a pass to Durant, quickly redirected the ball toward the hoop.
It was a clever, unexpected play—prioritizing an inside shot over a high-risk three-pointer.