When Chen Yu saw Nazr Mohammed was still starting, he couldn't help but laugh.
'That Popovich... he's just too smart for his own good.'
And smart people always overthink things.
The impact was limited, though. No matter what moves the Spurs made, the Suns were just going to play their game.
Right from the tip-off, Hardaway drove and dished the ball, assisting Nowitzki on a mid-range jumper.
Soon after, Nowitzki drove with the ball and was double-teamed near the baseline. He made a behind-the-back pass, and Hardaway drove for a successful reverse layup.
Compared to the last game, the only adjustment the Suns made was to enhance their teamwork.
Inside-out plays, screens, and pick-and-rolls.
The Suns had always played this way.
The only difference was that Nowitzki had become a more reliable scoring threat.
And unlike the last game, they weren't mindlessly letting Nowitzki go for iso plays; their offense was much more sound.
