Pope of Basketball.

Summary

The chapter discusses the shifting narratives in the media regarding the Spurs and the Lakers after the initial games of a playoff series. Yang Rui expresses disdain for the clichéd commentary from reporters, particularly the "old soldier" trope. The "Drug Combo" of the Lakers gains popularity as they approach a championship, while the Spurs struggle, especially with Ma Long's injury. The Spurs' fans show low morale during a crucial sixth game, and Coach Popovich makes strategic adjustments. Despite the Spurs' efforts, the Lakers maintain a lead, utilizing strong team defense and exploiting mismatches, particularly with Yao Ming's role. The chapter highlights the tension between the teams and the impact of injuries and media narratives on public perception.

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