Chapter 224: The Modern Jordan.
As the timeout ended, Grant Hill subbed in for Mario Chalmers.
The rough start forced Erik Spoelstra to make adjustments, sacrificing some defense in favor of offense.
Hill's entrance was met with an overwhelming wave of cheers from the Miami crowd.
He had been instrumental in eliminating the Pacers earlier, and now, in the Finals, he was bringing everything he had.
Hill's impact was immediate. With the ball at the top of the key, Conley couldn't afford to sag off and help. Once Durant used a screen to get open, Hill's precise pass hit him right in stride.
Durant pulled up for a mid-range jumper before Randolph could switch over.
Swish!
The ball kissed the net cleanly, breaking Miami's painful scoring drought.
The crowd erupted, the kind of relief only felt after being underwater for far too long.
Yet, as the camera panned across the Grizzlies' players, their faces remained calm and composed.
After all, you can't expect to shut Miami down completely. Forcing them into tough, unwanted shots was already a defensive success.