Returning to play at home, Link's two close-range pull-up jump shots at the start of the game were off, both clanking off the rim. The Detroit Pistons pushed for a fast break, but it wasn't very effective. Stackhouse drew a controversial foul, which caused strong dissatisfaction among the Washington Wizards' home fans.
"Boo! Boo! Boo!"
Stackhouse couldn't withstand the pressure, making only 1 of 2 free throws.
Ben Wallace tried to grab the Offensive Rebound, but Randolph used his wide frame to block him, and Laettner also boxed out Clifford Robinson, allowing Link to pick up the Defensive Rebound.
After grabbing the Defensive Rebound, Link immediately initiated a fast break. Stackhouse guarded him, and Link accelerated to meet him. When the opponent reached in for a Steal, Link suddenly performed a Curry behind-the-back dribble while on the move, deftly evading him, then quickly accelerated towards the basket. The Detroit Pistons' perimeter guard was very brave, rushing forward directly and committing an early foul, turning into a small hanger attempting to intercept Link. The 180cm Atkins almost hung onto Link's body. Link's body twisted and staggered in the air, but with his long arms, he ultimately managed to put the ball in.
And-one!
Link's 2+1 play ignited the entire Washington Wizards fanbase.
But unfortunately...
Link missed this free throw. After entering the playoffs, Link's free throw percentage was as high as 9%, so missing a shot was not common for him.
"Oh, no... that shot was a pity. Link's last few shots have all rimmed out," said Steve Buckhantz, the Washington Wizards' home commentator.
"Haha, maybe in the past few days since returning to Washington... Link's girlfriend did something to him," another commentator, Phil Chenier, couldn't help but joke with a smile.
As home commentators, both naturally supported the Washington Wizards. They commented on Link's two missed jump shots and one missed free throw with smiles throughout, without any hint of disdain or worry.
In their opinion... a player of Link's caliber might get hot for an entire night, but he would never be cold for an entire night.
Link's Wizards teammates on the court naturally also trusted him. He continued with a high pick-and-roll with Laettner, once again facing Clifford Robinson's switch. Link, who had missed his first two mid-range jump shots, took half a step forward, then "Boom!" powerfully bounced the ball, stepped back to the Three-Point Shot line, and with a "Swish!" made a clean Three-Point Shot.
2 to 5, the Washington Wizards lead by 3 points.
This gave Detroit Pistons coach Rick Carlisle a headache. Link, who had a rough start, found his rhythm in such a short time.
Uh...
He only made one Three-Point Shot; for other players, it would be hard to say he truly found his rhythm, but this was Link.
Just as Rick Carlisle thought, Link truly started a Three-Point Shot barrage in the following minutes. After a pick-and-roll, he moved to the top of the arc. Clifford Robinson's switch was untimely, and Link immediately pulled up for a Three-Point Shot. After all, he was an inside player; his footwork simply couldn't keep up, which didn't affect Link's shooting rhythm at all. This comfortable feeling was like entering the Small-Ball Era early.
In the next 3 minutes, Link shot 3-for-4 from Three-Point Shot range, forcing the Detroit Pistons to double-team him after pick-and-rolls. Jerry Stackhouse and Atkins seized the opportunity to cover Link, but Link used even faster Passing Speed to assist the open Michael Jordan and Hamilton.
Uncomfortable!
Frustrating!
In this depressed atmosphere, the Detroit Pistons were trailing the Washington Wizards by a full 11 points at the end of the first quarter, 19 to 30.
After the second quarter began, the Washington Wizards' starting five did not immediately take the court. Doug Collins had planned for them to rest for 4-5 minutes, then play the entire second quarter. However... the Washington Wizards' bench was truly unable to carry the load.
The Detroit Pistons' reserve guard, outside shooter Jon Barry, stepped up, hitting two consecutive Three-Point Shots.
Furthermore, what made it even more unacceptable for the Washington Wizards was that Michael Curry, who had been relegated to the bench for this game, also made a Three-Point Shot. Uh... Michael Curry, although his name sounds impressive and like a shooter, in reality, he was just a defensive role player. He played 23.3 minutes in the regular season, only managing to get 4.2 points and 2.0 Defensive Rebounds. In the playoffs, it plummeted to 2.0 points and 1.0 Defensive Rebound.
But the gap between bench and starters in NBA teams is not small.
The Detroit Pistons' bench lineup narrowed the lead to single digits.
29 to 33, the Washington Wizards only led by 4 points. And only 2 minutes had passed, in other words, the Detroit Pistons' bench lineup had gone on a 14-3 run during this time.
Doug Collins had no choice but to bring Link back onto the court early. Oh, by the way, the panting Michael Jordan wanted to be strong, but Link held him down on the bench with one hand.
Without Michael Jordan, the Washington Wizards' fast break and half-court offense would be somewhat affected.
The Washington Wizards' lineup on the court at this time consisted of four First-Year Players: Link, Gerald Wallace, Randolph, and Haywood, plus the tireless Hamilton.
Link first executed a pick-and-roll with Haywood. Link saw that the opponent was guarding him very closely, after all, he had made three Three-Point Shots in the first quarter. Link took the opportunity to drive low, stopping abruptly at about 13 feet. Ben Wallace from the weak side suddenly rushed over, and Link directly dished the ball in mid-air, assisting the cutting Randolph, who received the ball and slammed it down.
Ben Wallace felt a bit annoyed, feeling like he had been tricked. Link's purpose in not continuing to drive to the basket was to create space for Randolph to cut. Soon after, Ben Wallace faced the same problem again. Link, facing Ben Wallace who wanted to come over to double-team, performed a moving 'Hesitation Move' move, freezing Ben Wallace in place, then with a "Swish!" completed a low-hand layup.
"Difficult!"
"This kid... his arsenal is really rich now."
"It's really too difficult to defend him."
Detroit Pistons coach Carlisle thought with a headache.
The problem is...
Link is different from ordinary perimeter scorers; his Passing ability means he's not afraid of double-teams at all.