So that year with the Rockets, Artest played very seriously and achieved an accomplishment with Yao Ming that was more valuable than the championship—a world-class meme.
In short, if Artest plays in a place where he feels secure, he becomes very confident and very serious.
And now, Artest gains that kind of security from Big Ben.
Yes, Big Ben and Yao Ming are entirely different; he is not humble at all and really could hit you.
But on the court, you can safely entrust your back to him!
In that defensive moment just now, Artest was mentally prepared to be posterized. But Big Ben appeared in time to save him.
This sense of security makes Artest incredibly confident; he really thinks he can take down Roger and the Hawks and end this dynasty now!
This is what Roger has to face now. Two DPOY-level defenders, one inside and one outside, who trust each other and work well together.
It's like asking Roger to break through a wall of bronze and iron with his bare hands.
