The game between the Grizzlies and Lakers had ended, but the discussion surrounding it hadn't.
Despite Kobe saying after the game, "The Grizzlies gave us a good wakeup call," and praising Hansen's performance at a crucial moment, the fierce rivalry during the game, and Hansen's subsequent public mocking of Paul, propelled by the massive influence of Lakers fans, quickly escalated the animosity between the two teams.
Whatever Paul said before the game was unimportant now.
Of course, there was also a very important factor: the performance of the Grizzlies gave them a sense of urgency.
Although the outcome of a regular-season game can't truly determine anything, everyone knows that this was just Randolph's first game back, and he was playing as a substitute.
As Randolph gradually recovered, there was a real possibility that the Grizzlies could topple the Lakers.