When Hansen initially announced his departure, it acted like a stimulant for the Grizzlies' team, but after nearly a week, their defensive intensity naturally declined.
Although the decline wasn't significant, the burst of power from the San Antonio Spurs in a desperate situation allowed them to seize that small change.
Or perhaps, this is what happens in matches between top teams, where a slight variation can totally alter the outcome.
This outcome led Barkley to make an ultimate prediction,
"No matter if it's the San Antonio Spurs or the Grizzlies who win, they will be this year's champions."
This statement, somewhat dismissive of the Heat Team, received unanimous agreement from O'Neal and Kenny Smith.
Because compared to the Heat, both these teams were well-rounded in offense and defense, and they had a much larger margin for error.
While the Grizzlies and the Spurs were still fiercely competing, the results from the East had already come in.
