The first round of the Western Conference playoffs had officially concluded.
The results were in:
Spurs (1) vs. Kings (8): The Spurs won 4-1, a gentleman's sweep.
Suns (2) vs. Clippers (6): The Suns survived 4-2.
Mavericks (4) vs. Grizzlies (5): The Mavericks dominated 4-0.
Lakers (7) vs. Nuggets (3): The Lakers upset the Nuggets.
The Lakers were the only team in the West to pull off an "underdog" victory, effectively changing the course of history! With the first round settled, the matchups for the Western Conference Semifinals were set:
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks
San Antonio Spurs vs. Phoenix Suns
In the opening round, the powerful Mavericks, led by Dirk Nowitzki, had ruthlessly swept the Grizzlies. Dallas boasted a staggering average point differential of +14 per game. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies, led by Pau Gasol, suffered their 12th consecutive playoff loss. Despite a valiant effort in Game 3 where they held a lead late, the "German Wilt," Dirk Nowitzki, stepped up. Facing double teams, he utilized his signature "One-Legged Fadeaway" to force overtime and proceeded to score 12 points in the extra period, finishing with a massive 37-point, 15-rebound double-double.
But the Mavericks were more than just Dirk. With Jason Terry, Josh Howard, and Jerry Stackhouse, they possessed incredible depth and the star power to close out games.
As the semifinals loomed, TNT's Charles Barkley offered a blunt assessment: "Pau Gasol hasn't learned how to win yet... his team has been swept three years in a row."
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The media machine quickly shifted into high gear, hyping this matchup.
Can the Mavericks handle Kobe Bryant, who averaged a monstrous 37.2 points in the first round?
How will the Lakers' thin frontcourt stop Nowitzki?
Can the breakout star, Link, maintain his "prophetic" magic against a veteran defense?
In the Lakers' facility, the atmosphere had shifted. The joy of the first-round upset was gone, replaced by a heavy sense of focus. Everyone knew that Dallas was a far more dangerous beast than Denver.
In the film room, the Zen Master's voice echoed:
> "Dirk isn't your typical power forward. His off-ball movement, his playmaking, his range... he's a nightmare. And don't forget Jason Terry—the engine of their second unit—and Josh Howard, their versatile wing."
Phil Jackson pulled up clips of the Mavericks' perimeter defense.
> "They are experts at fighting through screens. They rarely lose their man. Lin," Phil said, turning to Link, "you're going to face much more physical pressure than last round. Play smart. Create for your teammates."
Link nodded silently. He remembered this 2006 Mavericks team all too well. In his previous life, this team went all the way to the NBA Finals. They were a juggernaut.
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The night before the team departed for Dallas, the practice facility was nearly empty except for two figures. Kobe and Link were putting in extra work, the only sound being the rhythmic thud-thud of basketballs hitting the hardwood.
After Kobe finished his final set of shots, he walked to the sidelines, wiped his brow, and looked at Link.
"Hey, Lin."
Link raised an eyebrow. Kobe rarely initiated small talk during practice.
"The stuff off the court... how is it?" Kobe asked, taking a sip of water.
Link was surprised but answered honestly, "No response from my side. Staying focused on the game."
"Good," Kobe nodded. "The media is what it is. Ignore them. As for the model girl—don't let it become a locker room distraction. In the playoffs, there's zero room for error."
"I understand," Link said seriously.
After a few minutes of silence, Kobe asked almost casually, "Has your agent talked to you about your contract this summer?"
"Briefly," Link replied. "He said we'll wait until after the playoffs to see the market. The front office hasn't made a formal move yet."
"Makes sense. Teams don't usually talk extensions mid-season; it's a distraction," Kobe said directly. "But you've proven your value. There will be plenty of calls this summer. What are your thoughts?"
Link caught a hint of "recruitment" in Kobe's tone. With his current stats, securing a contract around $6 million wouldn't be hard, and the Lakers had the cap space.
"I want to stay," Link said carefully. "I feel most comfortable here."
Kobe patted Lin's shoulder, seemingly satisfied. "The front office will talk to you. Just keep playing well. The market speaks for the value you bring."
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The next afternoon, the Lakers boarded a private jet to Dallas. As the plane crossed the clouds, Link leaned against the window, watching the landscape shift from California's coast to the rugged plains of Texas.
The "City of Cowboys" awaited its challengers from Los Angeles.