Pope of Basketball.

Summary

The chapter discusses the short-lived peak of Si Ke La, who entered the league in 2007 and quickly became a playoff threat alongside Duncan. However, by age 32, his declining foot speed and height limitations hindered his performance. During a lockout, his shooting declined, affecting both his offense and defense. The Spurs relied on Duncan's adaptability to maintain their defense. Key moments include a play where Chandler scored free throws after Si Ke La fouled him, and the Clippers' effective offense, highlighted by a three-pointer from Korver. Despite the Spurs' efforts, they struggled against the Clippers' athleticism, leading to a first-quarter deficit. Notably, Ba Ding Ge's decision to stay in college affected his draft prospects, contrasting with Durant's success. The chapter also emphasizes the contrasting styles of the two teams, with the Spurs' defensive struggles against jump shooters and the emergence of rookie Leonard, who was still developing his skills. The narrative reflects on the unpredictable nature of player careers and team dynamics.

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