However, Warriors head coach Ma Long did not agree with Carlisle's remarks.

It's often said that hard work pays off...

But isn't it possible that "hard work monsters" like Jordan and Qin Yue are even more diligent than those so-called geniuses?

Moreover, Qin Yue's perfect closing performance in the crucial moments covered up the efforts of other Warriors players on the court to some extent.

In fact, when Supersonic players were fighting fiercely on the court, weren't Warriors players also gritting their teeth and holding on?

"I think Coach Rick Carlisle should take a closer look at his own issues."

After the game, Ma Long responded to Carlisle, "Especially in the winner-takes-all sport of basketball, the losing side can't keep making excuses, because winning is winning, and losing is losing."

In this series, Warriors' lead assistant Hollins didn't want to say that no matter what Carlisle said, Ma Long would find an angle to counter the opponent out of jealousy for Carlisle's coaching talent.

But after the second game of the Western Conference Semifinals, Ma Long, who seemed calm on the surface, indeed felt unprecedented tension in private.

Because in the second game, Supersonic had already given a wake-up call to the defending champions.

"It's such a pity."

"What's so unfortunate?"

"It's unfortunate that Supersonic couldn't defeat us." After reviewing the second game against Supersonic, Ma Long remarked, "This game actually had the chance to be the turning point of this series."

After pausing briefly, Ma Long added, "But now, we won't give Supersonic such opportunities anymore."

"But Mike, the next two games are both Supersonic's home games."

Upon hearing this, Ma Long laughed, "Of course I know we're going to play on the road next."

"But Rick has no cards left in his hand." 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Two days later, in the third game held in Seattle, Ma Long, who was suppressed by Carlisle in the tactics of the first two games, finally proved why he could become the head coach of this Warriors team.

In Seattle, whenever Yao Ming was on the court, Ma Long actively used a small lineup to speed up the pace...

Though fundamentally, they relied on having Qin Yue, who could play slow and fast.

But it cannot be denied that Ma Long indeed responded perfectly to Carlisle's strategy of rotating inside players by leveraging his strengths and avoiding weaknesses.

On the court, since the current Garnett and Duncan couldn't defend against the Warriors' inside-outside pick-and-roll like they could a few years ago, it often led to Yao Ming facing Qin Yue directly.

As a result, on TNT TV Station, that familiar scene to O'Neal was repeatedly played out in this game.

O'Neal commented: "I have no doubt that this is a funeral for all centers."

Beside him, Barkley sighed: "There's nothing you can do, Messiah is naturally the nemesis of all centers."

In the third game, Supersonic seemed to be punching cotton with every move, suffering a crushing defeat at home and completely ending the suspense of the Western Conference Semifinals.

At the end of the game, the score was 128 to 101.

After the game, not escaping Duncan's big hands, Qin Yue joked with him, "I told you long ago, you can only win the championship by coming to the Warriors."

Upon hearing this, Duncan laughed after increasing the pressure while rubbing Qin Yue's head, "Nobody likes losing games, and nobody would hate an easily obtainable championship. For me, though, finding a way to defeat you is my lifelong pursuit."

Qin Yue shrugged, "Even if you wait until you retire, that day won't come."

Seeing this, Duncan released his big hand and said, "No problem, anyway I already have three championship rings."

Duncan certainly knows that he can no longer compete with Qin Yue.

But in the current NBA, if defeating Qin Yue is not the goal, then in Duncan's eyes, what's the point of basketball?

Maybe, just like Qin Yue said.

It might be until retirement that Duncan never defeats Qin Yue once.

But so what?

At least Duncan enjoys the process where Supersonic knowingly attempts the impossible.

The fourth game, a day later.

Despite being down three to zero, Supersonic's seasoned inside veterans didn't choose to give up, demonstrating what true perseverance means through their tireless running.

Thirty-seven-year-old Garnett was leading the fast break.

Thirty-seven-year-old Duncan was trying to cover the whole court like in his younger years.

Meanwhile, nearly thirty-three-year-old Yao Ming was also striving to keep up with his teammates.

In Seattle, facing Supersonic's desperate stance, the Warriors players collectively felt off, prompting Warriors coach Ma Long to rationally choose to concede after the first three quarters.

"Truly a team deserving of respect."

On the sidelines, watching Supersonic that night, Ma Long sighed.

However, such a game in Ma Long's view still couldn't change the overall situation of the Western Conference Semifinals.

Because in the subsequent fifth game in Oakland, the Warriors easily defeated Supersonic, who couldn't play every game like the fourth.

Oracle Arena.

As the score for the fifth game between Supersonic and Warriors was set at 104 to 122.

The Warriors, completing a "gentleman's sweep" of four to one against Supersonic, secured a ticket to the Western Conference Finals for the fourth consecutive year.

After chasing and insulting Ray Allen for five games, Garnett proactively sought him out and said, "You damn sissy, I can only congratulate you on soon getting your second championship ring."

"Kevin, you know..."

"Alright, shut up! Quickly go back and hug your thigh!"

Elsewhere, in a hug with Qin Yue, Yao Ming said, "Promise me, don't let this year's championship fall into someone else's hands."