The moment the basketball hit the rim, Popovich's mind went blank.
What the Spurs faced was not just two missed free throws, but also the potential injury to Duncan.
Duncan was never indestructible; his lower body was already scarred back in college, and now he is troubled by plantar fasciitis. No one knows whether this would affect Tim Duncan's next game.
At this moment, the King's hound, Matt Barnes, walked to the sidelines, staring at Popovich: "This is the price of insulting the King's honor; the Golden State Gangsters will always seek revenge."
Indeed, the price.
Gregg Popovich always thought that the one he put on the gambling table was Robert Horry—a chip that wouldn't have a significant impact even if lost.
But in fact, when he ignored Bruce Bowen's advice and insisted on making a decision, the chip he placed on the gambling table was always Tim Duncan, a chip he couldn't afford to lose.
