221. The Terrifying Stability

Only the Spurs would start a tough, iron-blooded battle after securing a two to three-point lead; they are known for this kind of thing.

After gaining a 12-8 advantage in the first three minutes, the Spurs played the next seven minutes against the Bobcats with a score of 7-8, causing the TV commentators to continuously describe their play as 'ugly'.

With 10 minutes and 21 seconds left in the first quarter, the Bobcats called a timeout with the score at 16-19, trailing by 3 points.

Bickerstaff substituted in the lineup of Rondo, Zhang Yang, Alan Anderson, Millsap, and Perkins.

Zhang Yang, who had played for just over 4 minutes, was subbed out and then sent in at the end of the quarter for a final push.

Popovich, on the other hand, had Parker and Duncan as the main attackers for the first 10 minutes then rested both at the end of the quarter, bringing in Ginobili—who hadn't played yet—and pairing him with Beno Udrih, Brent Barry, Matt Bonner, and Francisco Elson.